Inspirational Home and Family Blog
Monday, October 27, 2014
Decoupaged Leaves
Used with Permission from Crafts for All Seasons www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com
If you decoupage leaves after they have been dried, they will keep their color and vibrancy!
So on your next walk collect some beautiful autumn leaves. Bring them in and dry them between sheets of newspapers for about two weeks or more. After that, they can be decoupaged onto a recycled glass jar (I used a pasta jar).
When you place a votive candle inside, the light shines through the leaves, creating a beautiful effect. The leaves are not as thin as paper or napkins (which are commonly used decoupage items) but the leaves still work well. If you use large leaves that can be a bit thicker, you must be patient and hold the leaves down until the mod podge adheres. I found that this project works easier with small leaves as opposed to large ones. This project would be difficult for small children, and is better suited for adults.
Things Needed to Decoupage Leaves:
• Collection of fall leaves, freshly fallen (do not pick up ones that are already crisp and dried out)
• Newspaper
• Heavy books
• Decoupage medium, such as Mod Podge
• Paintbrush
• Recycled jar
• Jute, thin rope, raffia, or ribbon
• Heat resistant glue
• Votive candle in a votive candle holder
1. Place the leaves between two pieces of newspaper. Do not overlap or stack the leaves on top of one another. Place a heavy book on top of the leaves and allow the leaves to dry and flatten for a minimum of two weeks, or longer.
2. Remove any labels from the jar and wash with warm soapy water. Allow the jar to dry well.
3. Paint decoupage medium in a nice thick layer on one area of the jar.
4. Choose a dried, pressed leaf and apply it to the decoupage. If the leaf is large, you may have a problem with the edges are not adhering. If this happens, hold down the edges until the decoupage medium adheres. This is the part that takes some patience, and there usually is no problem if you use small leaves.
5. Choose another leaf and place it near the first one, perhaps overlapping it slightly. You choose the pattern here. The more the leaves overlap, the less light will show through when the candle inside is lit.
6. Once all the leaves are on, go over the entire jar, and all the leaves, with a coat of decoupage medium and allow to dry. There may be some edges of the leaves that aren't adhering flush to the jar. That's OK! That's what makes this craft look great; these are real decoupage leaves!
7. Reapply at least three coats of decoupage medium to the entire jar, allowing it to dry in between. Mod Podge protects the jar, so these extra coats are important. I used the gloss version of Mod Podge and I really liked how it made the leaves look glossy.
8. Using a strong heat resistant glue, wrap and secure jute, thin rope, raffia, or a ribbon around the mouth of the jar if you want to cover up the threads near the mouth of the jar.
9. Place a votive candle inside. I recommend placing the votive candle or tea light within its own small votive glass holder, and then lower this into the jar. That way, when the candle wax melts, it isn't all inside your decoupage leaf jar and only inside the votive candle cup.
If you decoupage leaves after they have been dried, they will keep their color and vibrancy!
So on your next walk collect some beautiful autumn leaves. Bring them in and dry them between sheets of newspapers for about two weeks or more. After that, they can be decoupaged onto a recycled glass jar (I used a pasta jar).
When you place a votive candle inside, the light shines through the leaves, creating a beautiful effect. The leaves are not as thin as paper or napkins (which are commonly used decoupage items) but the leaves still work well. If you use large leaves that can be a bit thicker, you must be patient and hold the leaves down until the mod podge adheres. I found that this project works easier with small leaves as opposed to large ones. This project would be difficult for small children, and is better suited for adults.
Things Needed to Decoupage Leaves:
• Collection of fall leaves, freshly fallen (do not pick up ones that are already crisp and dried out)
• Newspaper
• Heavy books
• Decoupage medium, such as Mod Podge
• Paintbrush
• Recycled jar
• Jute, thin rope, raffia, or ribbon
• Heat resistant glue
• Votive candle in a votive candle holder
1. Place the leaves between two pieces of newspaper. Do not overlap or stack the leaves on top of one another. Place a heavy book on top of the leaves and allow the leaves to dry and flatten for a minimum of two weeks, or longer.
2. Remove any labels from the jar and wash with warm soapy water. Allow the jar to dry well.
3. Paint decoupage medium in a nice thick layer on one area of the jar.
4. Choose a dried, pressed leaf and apply it to the decoupage. If the leaf is large, you may have a problem with the edges are not adhering. If this happens, hold down the edges until the decoupage medium adheres. This is the part that takes some patience, and there usually is no problem if you use small leaves.
5. Choose another leaf and place it near the first one, perhaps overlapping it slightly. You choose the pattern here. The more the leaves overlap, the less light will show through when the candle inside is lit.
6. Once all the leaves are on, go over the entire jar, and all the leaves, with a coat of decoupage medium and allow to dry. There may be some edges of the leaves that aren't adhering flush to the jar. That's OK! That's what makes this craft look great; these are real decoupage leaves!
7. Reapply at least three coats of decoupage medium to the entire jar, allowing it to dry in between. Mod Podge protects the jar, so these extra coats are important. I used the gloss version of Mod Podge and I really liked how it made the leaves look glossy.
8. Using a strong heat resistant glue, wrap and secure jute, thin rope, raffia, or a ribbon around the mouth of the jar if you want to cover up the threads near the mouth of the jar.
9. Place a votive candle inside. I recommend placing the votive candle or tea light within its own small votive glass holder, and then lower this into the jar. That way, when the candle wax melts, it isn't all inside your decoupage leaf jar and only inside the votive candle cup.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
It Happened Here: Mom Takes a Nap
by Sheila J. Petre - Used by permission
Happened last week: I was dead-tired, first thing in the morning. I decided there was no help for it; I had to take a nap. I settled in on the couch, in the family room, near the children, pulling a sheet up over my head against the flies. It was not a good nap; I kept waking to settle things, and to change a diaper, and so on. Usually kind, occasionally snappy, always sleepy. Once Allegra was tucked up by me; once Isaiah was.
When I finally woke, still tired, perhaps an hour later, it was time to prepare lunch. While I was doing that, the boys called me to the bathroom. Isaiah, at the potty chair, needed some personal care; Joshua perched on the taller throne watching me. What? Were they sick? Such a soup beneath both.
Their daddy came home another hour later. About that time I realized that the pan of cookie dough I had just filled was missing some cookies.
Michael asked the boys where the cookie dough had gone. “Did you put it in your treasure drawers?”
We all tire of finding decayed treasure in those drawers after several days of stashing.
I was beside him when he opened the drawers. No cookie dough. Candy. Gumdrop candy, in little containers. Huh? We don’t have any gumdrop candy.
However…Laurel does have some gummy pills--fiber pills--she takes, one a day. Sure enough, the bottle was far emptier than it should have been.
Such a soup--for two more days. Oh, boys. But I think they learned their lesson. Joshua was sick on his stomach and missed a meal or two.
Not that they weren’t generous--Allegra nearly got diaper rash.
I haven’t taken a nap since.
--a very tired Sheila
Trash It or Eat It? The Truth About Expiration Dates
Clearing up label confusion
You stand in front of the refrigerator staring at a “sell by” date on food and have the internal debate: Do I throw it in the trash or take my chances?
You’re not the only one. Upwards of 91 percent of consumers have thrown food out based on the dates on packaging. But the dating system isn’t as clear as it seems.
Nobody wants food poisoning — no fun — but few people want to waste food, either.
Nobody wants food poisoning — no fun — but few people want to waste food, either.
Let’s get some clarity.
What the dates mean
“Let common sense — and your senses —be your guide. If something smells rotten, curdles or turns a suspicious color, toss it in the trash.”
Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD
Wellness Institute
Federal law does not require food dating in most cases, but 20 states do have laws about dates. In many cases, manufacturers add dates voluntarily.
In general, perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy get dates. But those dates aren’t always about spoilage. Some dates simply inform retailers when products are at their best for freshness, taste and texture.
The label types vary:
- The “Sell by” date indicates how long a store should display a product on its shelves. But foods are still flavorful and safe to eat several days after this date if you store them properly.
- The “Best if used by” date comes straight from manufacturers. The product will be freshest and have the best taste and texture if you eat it by this date. But this date does not refer to food safety.
- The “Use by” date also comes from manufacturers. It’s the last date for peak quality. After this date, taste, texture and quality may go downhill, even if food safety does not.
- The “Expiration” date is the only packaging date related to food safety. If this date has passed, throw the food out.
How long will it last?
Still confused or concerned? Use the following rules of thumb for foods in your fridge or pantry.
- Milk is typically safe for two to three days after the “use by” date. Keep it in the back of the fridge, where temperatures are typically coldest.
- Butter will keep for two to three weeks after purchase.
- Margarine will last for four to six months after purchase.
- Eggs are safe for three to five weeks after purchase. Keep them in the back of the fridge, where temperatures are typically coldest, rather than in the door.
- Chicken, ground meat and ground poultry will last for one to two days after purchase.
- Pre-cooked poultry should keep for three to four days
- Fish will last one to two days in the refrigerator after purchase.
- Luncheon meat is safe for two to three weeks when it remains unopened. Use within three to four days after opening.
- Dry pasta will last for one to two years after purchase.
- Canned fruits and vegetables will last indefinitely. However, that rule goes out the window if they’re exposed to freezing temperatures or temperatures above 90°F. And be wary of damaged, dented or rusty packaging.
Also, remember that if you freeze something, it will last indefinitely, even if not at peak freshness, taste or texture.
Above all else, let common sense — and your senses —be your guide. If something smells rotten, curdles or turns a suspicious color, toss it in the trash.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Precious Gems
Thank so much, ladies,
for your permission to include these cute quotes from your children and
grandchildren! ~ Lois
Me: "Hey Gabe, your sisters aren't here so we can hang
out and talk."
Gabe (16): "Talk about what?"
Me: "I don't know.... Nothing in particular."
Gabe: (walking downstairs to his room) "Okay, well text
me some subjects when you think of some." ~ Sarah in Georgia
Annalise (3): "That funder scared me half of
death!" ~ Elaine in Virginia
So my mystery of what's behind the yellow spot-stains on a
load of clothing that came out of the wash...2 year old, Madison's broken
yellow crayon that she threw in the "trash"- also known as the
laundry hamper. ~ Lauren in Virginia
Amiya (6): "Mommy, how long is Fa-gust Day?"
Me: "I've never heard of that day."
Amiya: "You know, it's like August, September...when
all the trees change colors and the leaves fall down." ~ Danielle in
Alabama
Brooklyn (4): "Mommy, Harper (1) try to bite you! I'll
punch her in the face."
Me: "You'll do what?!?"
Brooklyn: "What? It's okay to punch people in the face
if they try to bite your mommy. That's the only good reason. And in
football." ~ Lauren in Virginia
Amiya (6): Can you believe this Bible has a page, ''How to
use this Bible?'' But I already know how to use it, you just open it up and
start reading! ~ Danielle in Alabama
My favorite conversation today with one of my boys (while
teaching) --
8 yr old: "Mrs. Williams, guess what? I'm going to play
football! There are so many risks...I could even die!"
Me: "Wow. Are you sure it will be worth the
risks?"
8 yr old: "I'm sure. Girls always like football
players."
...Glad to see you've got your priorities straight, kid. ~
MarySusan in Virginia
I must admit it's slightly embarrassing when my
three-year-old calls me grandma in public!! ~ Sarah in Virginia
Coming out of a heavily air conditioned church Amiya (6)
says: "Brrrr we must be getting closer to Antarctica!"
Dad to the son: What did you do to my iPad?
Son: I updated to the new software.
Dad: What made you do that?
Son: I thought it would be a cool update.
Dad: Don't do that!
Now I have to relearn everything. What are these tips for?
Son: They help.
Dad: These don't help me! They hurt me! ~ Darlene in
Thailand
Malakai (6) watching noodles boil on the stovetop: "It
looks like little monster meat popping up, or a lot of octopus legs!" ~
Danielle in Alabama
One special memory (for my birthday) was my almost 2 year
old granddaughter on Skype, clapping and singing "Happy birthday to you,
E-I-E-I-O." ~ Sue in Georgia
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Season of Grief
by Jalisa Wenger
Used by permission
When cherished dreams, like autumn leaves,
Are scattered in the wind,
You feel the chill of winter's gloom
And loneliness creep in.
When springtime's just a memory,
Now etched with parting's pain ...
When winter looms ahead of you
And tears flow with the rain ...
God understands the rending grief
Of dreams that had to die.
But from those seeds new life can grow
Beneath the future's sky.
The bitter tears that freely flow
Are tears He stores away.
He'll turn them to refreshing showers
To bless your life some day.
The raging winds that stress your soul
And cause your faith to sway
Will strengthen you for years to come
In God's own time and way.
Behind you, summer colors fade.
Ahead, the gray unknown.
But by your side, a faithful Guide—
You'll never be alone.
|
Thursday, October 9, 2014
A Quote about the Greatest Career!
Thinking of his mother, Billy Sunday, the famous preacher said:
"Being a king, emperor, or president is mighty small potatoes compared to being a mother. Commanding an army is a little more than sweeping a street compared with training a boy or a girl. The mother of Moses did more for the world than all the kings that Egypt ever had. Oh, you wait until you reach the mountains of eternity, then read the mothers' names in God's Hall of Fame. I tell you women: Fooling away your time, hugging and kissing a poodle dog, drinking a cocktail, and playing cards is mighty small business compared to molding the life of a child."
"Being a king, emperor, or president is mighty small potatoes compared to being a mother. Commanding an army is a little more than sweeping a street compared with training a boy or a girl. The mother of Moses did more for the world than all the kings that Egypt ever had. Oh, you wait until you reach the mountains of eternity, then read the mothers' names in God's Hall of Fame. I tell you women: Fooling away your time, hugging and kissing a poodle dog, drinking a cocktail, and playing cards is mighty small business compared to molding the life of a child."
A Little Story
Author unknown
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done!
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