Past Projects

Wow!  So much has happened since I last posted on this blog!  After a family illness, vacations, engagement, lots of overtime at work, and other life events, I'm back and hoping to do a much better job at documenting my crafting, cooking and everything in between.

So here are a few projects I've finished over the last several months.

I made this spring wreath using the same idea of my St. Patrick's Day wreath.  The yard wrapped wreaths are such an easy way to spruce up the front door for any holiday! 

My First Quilted Wall Hanging!  I returned the pattern to its originaly owner and can't recall the designer.  But I'm super happy with the outcome of this project!

 

 

This T-Shirt Quilt was made for my fiance for his birthday.  He had so many shirts from his college days that he had a hard time throwing out.  My alternative: design a quilt with his favorite shirts.  Special thanks to my mom for all her help with this project!  It was quite overwhelming for me as one of my first projects, but my mom stepped in and shared her expertise with me on this special project.

 

 

I've yet to find or design a decoration for our front door for the summer time.  This year, I opted to make a neutral yarn wreath for off season times.

 

 



Next is a fun Halloween decoration made with random fabrics from my mom's fabric scraps.  The pattern is called October Scare and is super easy to make.

 

My most recent project is a fall color wreath.  Unfortunately, the colors in this photo aren't great.  Instead of yarn, I opted for Jute to wrap the wreath form.  The flowers were both felt flowers and flower embellishments I found in the scrapbook section in orange, brown, green and burgundy. 

I'm so grateful to my mom for introducting quilting and crafting to me.  They provide such an outlet and find both incredibly relaxing.  I've got a few project in progress and I hope to share them soon!

 



 



 

 



Yarn Wreath - St. Patrick's Day

I love St. Patrick's Day!  And I love decorating for it!  After seeing Take Heart's yarn wreath tutorial, I knew it would be perfect for a new St. Patrick's Day decoration!  First step: Hobby Lobby!

Supplies:
Yarn - I used Naturally Caron.com Spa yarn since it had the green I liked the best.  It's 251 yards.
Straw Wreath Form - Leave the plastic on.
Felt
Scissors
Hot Glue
Embellishments - Optional.  I chose a leprechaun I found in the craft section.

Directions:

First, wrap the wreath with the yarn.  Tie it at the beginning and you can wrap right over the knot.  It'll take some time (about two hours!), but its a perfect activity for catching up on missed tv shows. 

When you get close to the end, add a loop to hang the wreath.  You can really add this at any point you'd like.  I also tied the end of the yard to the loop to tie it off.

After finishing the wreath, I wanted to add some St. Patty's Day flare: felt flowers and a cute leprechaun embellishment. 

To make the flowers, cut a curvy edged circle like so:

Pick a place and start cutting in a spiral shape for a long strand of fabric.  Make sure to leave an oval shape at the end for the base of the flower.

Take the end of the felt that you began cutting and roll.

Keep rolling until you're at the end.  Using the hot glue, paste the oval shape over the bottom to hold the flower together.

Finished flower:

Make as many flowers as you'd like.  Once you've finished your flowers, you're ready to hot glue them and any additional embellishments onto your wreath. 

I love it!  And I'm excited that I have a month to display it! 





Two-Ingredient Fudge

I ran across this recipe on Cookies and Cups blog a few weeks before Valentine's Day and was super excited about making it for the boyfriend.  Unfortunately, due to an illness in the family, the recipe was put on the back burner - until today.  It's super simple and yummy! 

Ingredients:
1 can strawberry frosting
1 package white chocolate chips
You'll also need: cooking spray, cake pan, microwave-safe bowl and spoon

Directions:

First, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave following the package directions (you can also melt via broiler).

Once the chocolate chips are melted, add the strawberry frosting and stir evenly. 

Spread into your prepared pan.  You can add designs, sprinkles or any other topping you choose.

Refrigerate for about half an hour to set.

Cut into squares or any shape you desire and serve.  Store in air tight container for up to a week. 

Want something other than strawberry?  Just alter the flavors of the chocolate chips and frosting and you're good to go!

Bacon-Spinach Grill

The last few weekends have been crazy and have left Troy and I on weird eating schedules.  We're neither one hungry at the same time resulting in one person meals.  We had the ingredients for this quick meal and I decided to try it out.

Ingredients:
Tortilla
Fresh Spinach
Feta Cheese
Bacon
You'll also need Cooking Spray and a hot skillet.

Directions:
First, I made the bacon.  I almost always use the microwave for cooking bacon.  While it was cooking, I heated the skillet and laid out the initial part of the dish.  Put spinach and feta, whatever amount you prefer, onto half of the tortilla.

 

When the bacon is done, lay it on top and fold the tortilla in half.  Place in skillet and grill evenly on both sides.  Pretty simple, yet delicious!



Dark Chocolate Cherry Balls

Working a full time job and taking classes at night leaves me constantly on the lookout for quick snack options.  I recently came across a recipe for Dark Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites and thought something similar would be a great go-to when I'm short on time. 

Ingredients:

1 cup oats

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup Cinnamon Sugar Land O' Lakes

2 handfles dried cherries

1 handful pumpkin seeds

1 handful flax seeds

1 handful dark chocolate morsels

Directions:

Mix all ingredients.  Unfortunately, I don't have a food processor (yet); so with some patience, we used the blender to mix and chop the ingredients.  Once mixed, roll into balls.  Refrigerate. 

Corn Salsa

In need of a simple, yet flavorful party recipe?  Think Corn Salsa!  Its fresh, vibrant and healthy - can't beat that!

Ingredients:

1 can Black Beans, drained and rinsed

1 can Corn, drained

4 Roma Tomatos, seeded and chopped

1 medium Avocado, peeled and chopped
1/8-1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
3-4 tbsp Lime Juice
1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
1 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Prepare all ingredents.  Mix together in large bowl.  Cover and chill.  Add more salt, pepper, lime juice and vinegar to taste.  Serve with Tortilla chips. 

Broccoli Chicken Mac & Cheese

Sometimes we all need some comfort food.  And who wouldn't choose Mac & Cheese?  I love it!  But I like to add texture and variety to the sometimes simple meal.  Broccoli Chicken Mac is a great solution! 

Ingredients:
1 box Elbow Noodles
6 tbsp Light Sour Cream
1 cup Reduced Fat Mild Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
3 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg
1 tbsp Parmesan Cheese, Finely Shredded
1 can Chicken in Water
4 tbsp Evaporated Milk
5 tbsp Bread Crumbs, Plain
1 head Broccoli, uncooked and chopped quarter size

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).

Cook pasta according to package directions without salt or added fat.  Drain and add Sour Cream and Chicken (drained).  Set aside.

Heat milk in a small sauce pan over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear just around the edges.  Reduce to low.  Add Cheddar Cheese and Broccoli.  Simmer and stir with whisk until cheese melts.  Once cheese is melted, add Mustard, Salt, Pepper and Nutmeg. 

Add cheese mixture to noodle mixture and mix.  Transfer to a 3 quart casserole dish.  Top with Parmesan Cheese and Bread Crumbs.

Bake until top is golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. 

Serve.  Yields about 1 cup per serving.