Current Project List

Today I sat down and made a list of all the craft or interior design projects I am currently working on or have thought about doing.  I feel like I have so many things that I want to do, but I can't remember what they are when I have some extra time.  I am hoping that this will help organize my creative mind enough that I can get it done!  

Here are the projects that have been bouncing around in my brain lately:

• Make fabric boxes for the new changing table (still looking for a great tutorial, will let you know when I find one!)
• Finish fall wreath (work in progress!)
• Paint birdcage cream or light yellow
• Find a buffet to paint for the dining area
• Get chairs for the front porch
• Get potted plants for the driveway
• Build shelves on either side of the washer and dryer
• Take door off coat closet, paint, and put cubbies inside
• New couch pillows
• Install wall shelf in main bathroom
• Refinish piano
• Make some green frames to match green stained table
• Fix leg on green table
• Get or build a picnic table for the backyard
• Sew kitchen curtain (work in progress!)
• Sew changing pad covers
• Make flower hairclips
• Turn craft room into nursery
• Laundry room makeover

You'll probably be seeing some of these featured on the blog in the next few months, plus some party and food fun.  Fall is my favorite time of the year, so I love to celebrate the season.

Felt Ruffle Pillow

This is a simple felt ruffle pillow that I made for the new baby's room.  It is relatively small, since I am planning to use it as an accent pillow in the glider that I hope to get.  The fabric in the background is going to be a changing pad cover.

So here's the run-down on the pillow.  The pink body of the pillow is just two pieces of standard-sized felt.  Before sewing the pillow together, I put the ruffles on one of the pieces.  I used two pieces of yellow felt and a little bit of white felt.  After cutting the yellow pieces into about 1.5" strips, I did a basting stitch along one side and bunched up the felt to where I liked how it looked, then pinned it down and sewed them all on along the inside edge, working my way inward.  The white part of the flower was handsewn.  After the flower was done, I sewed the pink pieces together and stuffed it before I closed it up completely.

This was a great project for an afternoon.  I think it took me about three hours total.

Scotcharoos Popcorn

Scotcharoos Popcorn

(adapted from this recipe for peanut butter cup popcorn)

22 cups of popped popcorn

1 bag butterscotch chips

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tbsp. vegetable shortening or oil

1/2 c. toffee bits

2/3 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)

Pop the popcorn and put in a large bowl.  In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips, one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and vegetable oil or shortening and heat for 2-2 1/2 minutes or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.  Pour the melted chip mixture over the popcorn and toss to combine.

Spread the popcorn onto two wax paper-lined baking sheets.  Sprinkle the toffee bits over the popcorn evenly.  In a Ziploc bag, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips until just melted and smooth (about a minute in the microwave, mashing the bag every 20-30 seconds). Cut a small corner in the Ziploc bag and drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn. Allow to stand long enough to become solid (you can transfer the pan to the fridge or freezer to hurry this step along). When done, break the popcorn into small pieces and enjoy!  

TIP: Store this popcorn in the fridge if it doesn't set up all the way.  Some chocolate chips are softer at room temperature than others.