Dragon Egg Necklace

This is inspired by and based on the same concept as the Dragon Eggs I made previously and inspired by Melros's Dragon Egg necklace at http://www.dadcando.com/

http://www.dadcando.com/default_MAKING.asp?project=DragonEggPendant&catagory=TheDragonry&lhs=TheDragonry

The majority of time involved on this project is baking the fimo, allowing it to cool and allowing the paint to dry.

The cost to make this necklace was well under $1.

Materials used:

- Fimo Clay - used less than 1/4 of the brick for this project

- Tulip Glitter Dimensional Paint

- Straw (to make a hole in the top of the egg)

Not pictured

- Wooden skewer stick (optional - to hold the egg while painting it)

- Jump ring

- 1/8th inch wide Ribbon

- Bead

- Plastic bottle cap (to place wooden skewer across to balance while bead is drying)

I rolled a bit of the clay to form the shape of an egg, then stuck the straw through it to make the hole.

I baked it for 30 minutes at 230 degrees then allowed it to cool, then painted the egg with the Glitter paint then let it dry.

You can use a wooden skewer or the small plastic straw to hold the egg while you decorate a design onto it with the fabric paint or glitter glue.

I put the wooden skewer across the top of the bottle cap to allow the paint to dry.

Once dry, I added a jump ring through the hole in the top of the egg, then Cut ribbon to the length that you would like (mine is around 24 inches) then thread the dragon egg onto until it is centered and tie it to the jump ring.

Then twist the ends together in order to thread the bead onto the necklace.

Pull the bead down to the top of the jump ring, tie knot at the ends and you are done!

Fimo Hair Sticks

These were inspired by Fimo Hair Stick made by opposites-girl over at Cut Out And Keep. Other users who had made these said that the sticks slipped, so I used my fingernail to put grooves into one side before baking so they will stay in my hair. The cost was probably around 50 cents for two sticks because I had the safety pin and beads already. Fimo Clay - $1.29 (I used less than 1/3 of the block to make these) Saftey Pins - on hand Beads - on hand

I noticed in the rear view mirror they sort of looked like little safety pin devil horns bouncing around of my head. They also did not roll out to be as uniform as I had hopes and it turned out I bought "soft" Fimo instead of regular and they are a little to pliant even after baking.

I may wear them on occassion (like around the house or to the store) but overall, not happy with the outcome.

UGLY BUT COMFY SWEATSHIRT MADE INTO A HOODIE

This was my first attempt and converting a sweatshirt to a pullover hoodie. I started with a plain black sweatshirt and cut off the ribbing at the neckline, sleeves and bottom.

I then used my son's hooded sweatshirt to make a "pattern" for the hood and the kangaroo pocket in front and used a Norman Rockwell "Freedom of Worship" flannel fabric that I bought at Hancock Fabrics for $1 yd.

While some parts of it turned out well, like the neckline:

and the hood,

others did not, specifically the kangaroo pocket.

It is uneven on the sides, is crooked and I tried the starburst stitch on my sewing machine and it was inconsistent depending on the bulk of the fabric - in some areas it is heavy and in other areas sparse.

I had planned on adding matching fabric to the bottom of the sleeve, but as it didn't turn out how I wanted I scratched that idea and just wear it as an around the house shirt. Even though it is ugly it is very warm and comfortable and my new fav around the house sweatshirt, so not it was not a total bust.

"Folk Magic" Onion Cough Syrup (or would also make a great Halloween prop!)

I ran across this while surfing and as I had read in magazines before of onions having an antibacterial property, thought I would try making some of this: http://iwonderwoman.blogspot.com/2007/11/folk-magic.html All you need is: 1 large onion (garlic or ginger could be used instead) 1 cup of sugar 1 glass jar with a lid 1 knife (to cup up onions) 1 measuring cup - to measure the sugar Peel the onion and chop it into slices: Alternate layering the onion and the sugar in the jar Continue layering until all of the onion and sugar are in the jar. Cover with a lid and leave on the counter for 1 to 2 days then store the syrup in the refrigerator. I wasn't sure if the onions were to be strained out of not and left a message on Myrnie's blog and she was kind enough to leave me a comment on mine. "I hope the onion syrup worked well for you- if you don't like the taste, garlic or ginger also work well (I've heard.)Yes, strain the onions out before you put this in the refrigerator." This is what it looked like at Day 2 before I strained out the onions. It looks like some sort of exotic ingredient an alchemist of a witch would use and it does smell bad when you open it. This would be a great prop for a Halloween party. It does smell bad but it doesn't taste that bad due to the sugar and it did seem to help with (I used 2 TBSP) with congestion. I decided to do a little bit of research and found this interesting article: Courtesy of www.kingtutshop.com http://www.kingtutshop.com/Egyptian-Herb/onion.htm The article indicates that the onions were used in Egyptian culture for eating and medicinal purposes, that it was prescribed by Hippocrates and even indicated in the Bible a food that longed for by the Israelites after leaving Egypt for the Promised Land and even asked Moses to pray for to God for them in the Quran. Here is a direct quote for the medicinal purposes of onions from the article: "Onion is used as a diuretic, expectorant and antiseptic. Onions are highly recommended for people trying to prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infections. They appear to be at least somewhat effective against colds, heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases and contain antiinflammatory, anticholesterol, and anticancer components. Onions contain many active compounds that appear to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, help combat heart disease, inhibit strokes, lower blood pressure & cholesterol, and stimulate the immune system. Alliums are also antibacterial and anti-fungal, so they can relieve stomach upset & other gastrointestinal disorders. As with Garlic, Onions help prevent thrombosis and reduce hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. The natural constituents of yellow or white Onions can raise HDL cholesterol over time."

I started a "Stuff To Make" Blog

I have been running across a lot of projects, inspirations and ideas for projects lately and found that it would be best just to start a different blog to keep track of them, along with links to any websites that are how-to do or inspirations so I can give proper credit to the blog or person that inspired it and limit this blog just to things I make or create.

Another project for my to-do list - Old Fashioned Sign Reverse Painted Sign on a Photo Frame

I was visiting one of my favorite sites, Dollar Store Crafts today and found this gem. http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/02/reverse-paint-sign/ The tutorial is at the following link and was done by guest blogger, Cathie Holden: http://www.livinglocurto.com/index.php/2009/01/reverse-sign-painting In looking at the tutorial, you reverse the lettering then stencil it on the back of the glass with acrylic paints. Dollar Store Crafts has a hyperlink to a site where you could create the reverse lettering on line. http://www.sumo.fi/products/sumopaint/index.php?id=0

Sumptuous Strawberry Smoothie

I made this today as and afternoon treat for myself and an afterschool snack for Kyle.

It is super simple, yet sweet, creamy and full of taste as it is not watered down with ice cubes like most smoothies, but not as rich as a strawberry milkshake. It is simple enough to make as an after school treat and good enough to make for a special occasion.

• 1 cup sliced frozen strawberries
• 4 oz heavy cream1 cup vanilla yogurt, frozen
• 1 12 oz can a Vernor's Diet Ginger Ale1
• 8 oz. jar Marichino Cherries (optional for garnishment).

Pour the 4 oz of whipping cream into a blender and blend until it is creamy.

Run the cup of Yogurt under hot water in the faucet for a minute upside down, then remove lid and slide it into the blender and blend again for about 30 seconds.

Add the frozen sliced strawberries and blend again for 1 minute, then slowly pour in the Vernor's Diet Ginger Ale.

Pour into champagne glasses (we use plastic ones from the Dollar Store), garnish with a Marichino Cherry or two then serve.

Another to-do project: Copycat of Marc Jacobs tassel earrings

Here is another to-do project that I have been meaning to get around to and still haven't yet. I saw the how-to on Carbon Couture's website. It is a pair of copy cat of Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 collection earrings. http://carboncouture.blogspot.com/2009/01/no-hassle-tassels.html I saw these a few weeks ago on this site and even have bought several of the components to make them, but just still scrounging around for the rest of them. The earrings on the left are from the Marc Jacobs collection and the earrings on the right are the knock offs.

• I didn't find tassels, but at Walmart I found some black fringe and bought an 1/8th of a yard for under 45 cents.
• I found 100 gold saftey pins at Dollar Tree for $1
• Gold bead cap for the top of the earrings on clearance at Hancock Fabric for 20cents
• 100 silver beads off of Ebay for $1.47 (will use them instead of the small black beads)
• Clear beads of an old dollar store watch

Now just need some small gold bead, ear post and gold head pin. My goal is to keep this project under $3 for the earrings, so I am likely to scrounging a bit more.

GUITAR PICK FROM OLD GIFT CARD

Simple and free way to make a guitar picks made by upcycling an old plastic gift cards. Materials needed: - Guitar pick - Used plastic gift cards (I used an old Walmart one) - Card stock (I used an magazine insert) to make the pattern - Ink pen or pencil (to draw around the guitar pick) - Sharpie or other marker - Kitchen scissors or other heavy duty scissors (I bought my pair from the dollar store) - Scotch tape - optional Start with a standard guitar pick - it will be used to make a template. Put the guitar pick on card stock and draw around it to make a template then cut out the shape with the kitchen scissors.  Put the template on the gift card and use a Sharpie or other marker to draw around the template on the card. I was able to get 4 picks from this card.

You can use tape and tape it on then cut around the template (tape is made it a circle around index finger then used to stick the back of the template to the card).

Cut around the markings or the template taped the card and you have yourself a new guitar pick!

Featured on:

Hearts of Romaine Salad

• 2 heads romaine lettuce hearts
• 1/4 cup raw sunflower seed
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated romano cheese
• 1/4 cup lite ranch dressing (optional)

Rinse the lettuce in cold water and tear into bite sized pieces into large salad bowl.

In another bowl, mix the Sunflower Seeds, Shredded Cheddar Cheese and Grated Romano together. Pour this mixture on top of the lettuce and toss until mixed, then toss in in dressing.

Kids "Wonder" Entry for I ♥ Faces Photography

This is a picture that I took of my son, Kyle and I am entering it into Kids "Wonder" Entry for I ♥ Faces Photography category at http://www.iheartfaces.com/. It was taken at Science Central several years back and he was in awe and wonder at all the cool displays they had there.

Another project for the make list - Spiral Scarf

Not like I need another scarf, I have a rack in my room overflowing with them and most I rarely ever wear them anymore because I work in a call center and they get all knotted up in my headset, but I love how elegant it looks and how it can be draped. http://www.craftstylish.com/item/41268/how-to-make-a-cozy-spiral-scarf From the instructions is looks pretty simple, just cut out a donut shapes, then open them up, stretch them to make it a flounce then sew them together. Only downside is I didn't see in the post how much fabric is recommended, so I found the creator's e-mail on her website and asked her and hope that I hear back from her. If not, I might go the upcycle route and cut up an old dress or skirt and make one.

Pink Dragon Egg

This is the same concept as the dragon egg below, except the egg was already pink and I used the glue gun to make the design on the egg then I covered it with glitter pink nail polish that has stars in it and put rose pink

nail polish on top of the glue.

DRAGON EGGS

If you love mythical beasts and medieval memorabilia this is the craft for you!


I made these for my son and will put candy in them for Easter and they can be used as desk or shelf decoration after that. This project was inspired by the link below at Instructables by KaptinScarlet.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-gorgeous-Dragons-Egg/


These are the basic materials, but I also used red paint and glitter fabric paint that was not in the picture.

As I had everything on hand except the eggs, my only cost was the eggs and they had them 30% off at JoAnn fabrics so they only cost 69 cents for 6 eggs; therefore my cost was less than 15 cents per egg. If you had to buy everything from scratch from the Dollar Store and/or a craft store, you could still get by with spending around $5-7 and you would still have a lot of paint, the glue gun and glue sticks when you are done.


The eggs that I used are a little larger than standard Easter Eggs, but you could also get standard ones from the dollar store and would get more eggs.

Each egg takes about 1 glue stick and even though I used 3-4 coats of paint, it did not really take much, so I estimate the cost to be less than 15 cents per egg.

Take the hot glue gun and draw a design on the egg and do the top and bottom sections separately.

At the top on this one I used tear drop oval sort of shapes.

On th bottom I just zig zagged and squiggled and then connected some of those shapes.

I mixed the green and gold paint and painted the bottom of the eggs, then let that dry the paint the top of the eggs.

I put another coat on again doing the same thing (see the bottom of the egg at the side) and although they look old and molted and probably more authentic that way, I didn't feel they were pretty enough for Easter, so I mixed red and gold paint and painted them.

For the final coat I didn't mix the paint, I just swirled it once and then painted the egg for a more mottled appearance.

Here are some of the finished eggs.

The one on the left I left more greenish and only painted with a bit of the green and the gold and I also used a swirl pattern on the top instead of a tear drop oval.

*****NOW FEATURED ON *****

http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/2009/03/easter-ideas-decor.html

Here are dragon creations made by others at CO+K. It is so fun to see how everyone makes their own unique versions!

I love the colors on this set by Twinkle_Toes - they look very regal.

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/dragon_easter_eggs/versions/3

This colorful version is by Sasha
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/dragon_easter_eggs/versions/2

DRAGON EGG HOLDERS

I finished my dragon eggs and was going and was going to just use the plastic laundry lids and even tried painting them gold and was going to embellish them but I felt like it would detract from the egg itself and I wanted the egg to be the focus, not the holder so I used bottlecaps and hot glue gunned ribbon that I got after Christmas at Jo-Ann fabrics for 20 cents a roll.

The caps on each end are from Diet Coke Bottles, the larger one, 2nd from the left, is a Gatorade cap and the 3rd one from the right is from an ice tea bottle.

SOUR CREAM DROP BISCUITS

I made these this past Thursday for our Valentine's dinner along with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy and they were a big hit. They are quick and simple (there are only 3 ingredients) to make and easy enough that children that are learning to cook could easily due (with supervison of course) to build their skills and confidence.

The biscuits are based on a recipe by Vicki in AZ at recipezaar.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Bisquick-sour-cream-biscuits-85148

2 cups Bisquick 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup sour cream

- Preheat oven to 350.

Put margarine in oven safe bowl then put int he oven for a few minutes

Consistency of the melted butter - slushy but not all the way melted.

Add 2 cups Bisquick

Add 1 cup of sour cream

Mix until blended - will look like this

Drop by tablespoon full on the baking sheet or baking pan

Bake for 12-15 mins.