Sweetpea's Home of Craft and Gift Making

Card making

2011-09-28T07:58:00.000+13:00

I'm kind of new to cardmaking but I thought I would upload my first attempt. I am so inspired by others and it's good to keep a reminder of where we started. I enjoyed using watercolor crayons on this car. I used scrapbooking paper, cardstock and thin white card. I had a large animal stamp and an old Happy Birthday stamp. I used Stazon ink which is a new purchase to start my many days of enjoying cardmaking.

Enter The Crafter's Cafe Best Blog/NING candy evah! (36 Copic Set)

2011-09-15T10:38:00.001+12:00

The Crafter's Cafe Best Blog/NING candy evah! (36 Copic Set)

To enter the drawing for this candy, you first leave a comment with your e-mail address and make sure you're a blog follower and member of TCC. Second, you put the blog post and photo on your blog with the link back so others can enter as well. That's it!!! You're in!!!! If you inform a friend of the candy and she enters and posts on her blog, let us know in a comment and you'll be entered twice!!! :D

Closes September 15th, so hurry! Enter here

DL.ART 500 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY

2011-09-06T17:30:00.000+12:00

DL.ART 500 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY

Girl's Makeup Party Cartridge +36 sheets 6x6 handmade silk & cotton paper

TurnedGypsy: Glue Gun Helper Kit Giveaway

2011-09-01T08:42:00.000+12:00

TurnedGypsy: Glue Gun Helper Kit Giveaway: Have you guys hear of DIY Channel's Craft Show Creative Juice? They are Cathie and Steve. I got this cool product from Cathie to demo and r...

Welcome to The Crafter's Cafe Blog: The Crafter's Cafe Best Blog/NING candy evah! (36 Copic Set)

2011-08-23T14:28:00.000+12:00

Welcome to The Crafter's Cafe Blog: The Crafter's Cafe Best Blog/NING candy evah! (36 Copic Set)

Simple Insulation

2011-06-12T20:07:00.000+12:00

Bubble Wrap Insulation

This post does not really fit under craft or gift making but it is such a novel and easy idea I just had to share it anyway.

I came across a unique easy idea for reducing heat loss during the winter time.

If you're like us and only have single glazed windows then you are going to love this.

If you don't have any bubble wrap, then visit your local furniture stores, or somewhere where they have waste bubble wrap, OR splash out and buy some.
Bigger bubbles are better but smaller is better than nothing.

Cut the bubble wrap to the size of the window you want to *insulate*.

With a spray bottle, spray water over window and place bubble side down. If you have trouble with it not sticking once water dries, then you can secure it with double sided tape.

Bubble wrap allows natural light to still come through. It will peel off easily when you want to remove it. Bubble wrap will last for years before needing to be replaced.

Homemade Deodorant

2010-09-14T20:16:00.000+12:00

I am so in love with making my own deodorant. It's wonderful. I looked around the internet and so far this is my favourite recipe. I have a few of my family members using it. If you haven't tried it already you really must! So easy peasy!

You will need:

About 5-6 TB Pure Virgin Coconut Oil,

1/4 cup Baking Soda

1/4 cup Cornflour (cornstarch) or Arrowroot powder

10 drops Essential Oils (I use sweet orange, or lavender, tea tree oil)

Mix cornflour and baking soda together

Add the coconut oil and mix until creamy.

Now add your essential oils and mix through.

(I like to add 7 drops of lavender and 3 drops of tea tree oil

or 7 drops of sweet orange and 3 drops of tea tree oil)

Place into wide mouth containers, or use an old screw up deodorant container (cleaned of course!). I found some little mini pop up containers which are great.

HOW TO APPLY: Just place a finger tip amount on your armpit and it will melt with the warmth of your skin. Rub in. Mmmmm!!

no nasty chemicals. Safe for all ages and so economical.

TIP: If you find it goes a bit soft or runny in the warmer weather just store in the refrigerator (will feel really cool on a hot day!) but don't worry as coconut oil firms up again.

ENJOY!!

I'm Back

2010-09-01T23:31:00.002+12:00

Wow it's been a while but I'm back. I needed the break but am so glad to be back.

Looking forward to sending in some nice ideas for you shortly.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T15:03:00.000+13:00

A busy time of year for us all. I'm taking a wee break over our summer holiday and look forward to getting back sometime in the New Year.

Please have a safe and happy Christmas and may the Lord bless you all in 2010.

UNWANTED COMMENTS

2009-11-18T14:47:00.000+13:00

Recently I have been getting SPAM in my comments. Thankfully I moderate.
Is anyone else having this problem and what can we do about it? Most have been vulgar and another was advertising airline ticket buying.
I am saddened by this happeneing and am considering shutting down my blogs.

Miss Sandra

The Gift of Epsom Salts

2009-11-05T11:44:00.002+13:00

Let's talk about good old Epsom Salts.
Such a cheap source of wonderful natural medicinal and skincare help. It's a product that is everything in one.

I have used it in the bath tub. A couple of heaped handfuls (or more) will soften the water and relax you when your muscles are tired and sore and also relax the tension from a busy day.

Epsom salts can be used when making lemon cordial. It works as a mild laxative.

For lively children, especially those with ADHD, a couple of cups thrown in the bath water and let the child soak is wonderful to calm them down. Why
??? Because Epsom Salts is Magnesium Sulphate. It is absorbed through the skin, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles and much more.

For feet, it soothes aches, removes odours and softens tough skin. In a large pan or foot bath add 1/2 cup with warm water. Soak for as long as you want.

If you have sprains or bruises, Epsom salts will reduce swelling.

If you have a splinter, soak in Epsom Salts and it will draw out the splinter.

You can make a face mask. For normal to dry skin mix some Epsom salts with lemon juice and the mixture is great for getting rid of dirt and blemishes.

Oily hair is remedied by using Epsom salts to remove built up hair product and give you back shining hair.

You can buy Epsom salts at bulk food places, at your supermarkets and is usually very very inexpensive.

A wonderful gift idea is to buy a really nice glass jar container and fill with epsom salts. You can add a little food colouring or even essential oil if you desire but personally just plain Epsom Salts is wonderful.

An all purpose gift to give someone you love.

Natural Deodorant

2009-10-30T16:00:00.003+13:00

In this age of so many chemicals I find myself looking more and more for natural recipes to make our own personal bathroom products.

I found this recipe online somewhere.

1 part baking soda
6 parts cornflour (or cornstarch)

Mix in clean jar (find a wide necked one) and shake until mixed.
You can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil (don't put too much in - just enough to scent the powder).

Use a soft make up brush, or cotton wool ball to apply a light dusting of powder to your armpits. I have made a batch without the scent. When it is really hot I find I need to apply it twice during the day. But a little goes a LONG way~

Homemade Glue

2009-10-16T12:28:00.002+13:00

Here's a recipe I found that is supposed to be waterproof for most papers and fabrics.

You will need:

6 Tablespoons of water
2 envelopes of gelatine
2 Tablespoons of White vinegar
2 teaspoons of Glycerine

1. Put water into a saucepan and bring to the boil.
2. Remove from the stove.
3. Add the gelatine and stir until it all dissolves.
4. Add the vinegar and glycerine.
5. Stir until well mixed.
6. Let mixture cool completely.
7. Store in a clean airtight jar.

This glue will thicken on storing and needs to be warmed before using. Just
pop it in some hot water before you need to use it. This recipe will keep for quite a long time.

Handwash - Make Your Own

2009-10-01T20:18:00.002+13:00

LIQUID HANDWASH
250ml boiling water
2 tbsp grated Sunlight soap (or laundry soap)
2 tsp glycerine or glycerol (from the chemist or supermarket)
2 tsp rosewater (from chemists or specialty food stores)

Melt the grated soap in the boiling water, then stir in the glycerine and rosewater. Pour the mixture into a soap dispenser while it’s still warm and it will set, ending up with a thick jelly-like texture. Package in a handwash dispenser and give away as a gift.

Amazing Uncooked Playdough

2009-09-24T10:30:00.006+12:00

This simpy has to be the easiest playdough to make for children. We love it and what is great about it is, that you can make up large batches, in different colours, pop them into ziplock baggies, throw in some cookie cutters and you have a fantastic gift idea for kids.
It keeps for months in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

AMAZING UNCOOKED PLAYDOUGH
1/2 cup salt
2 TB cooking oil
1 TB cream of tartar
2 cups boiling water
2 cups flour

1. Place all ingredients into a large heatproof bowl, saucepan or pot.
2. Put in food colouring, glitter, scented oils etc.
3. Stir all together.
4. Make sure the water is boiling and not just hot when you add it.

When mixed up, stir until smooth and mixture leaves sides of container. Be careful when kneading as it is still very very hot.
When it cools, it's PLAYTIME.
Store in airtight container in your fridge.

Giveaway at The Crafty Crow

2009-09-16T17:26:00.003+12:00

Please check out The Crafty Crow blog for giveaways. Lots of wonderful crafty ideas!!

Lemon Sugar Scrub

2009-08-27T15:27:00.003+12:00

~Lemon Sugar Scrub~

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup olive oil

1 TBS lemon zest (grated)

Directions:
Mix ingredients and use as a body scrub/exfoliator.

Use immediately

Microwave Puff Paint

2009-08-20T16:33:00.003+12:00

Microwave Puff Paint

This is really cool and super quick/easy. Combine the following in a little bowl:

1 tablespoon self-raising flour
a few little drops of food colouring
1 tablespoon salt
Then add some water to make a nice smooth paste. Paint away on a nice thick sheet of cardboard (if you don’t have enough paint brushes use cotton buds - they work really well).

Microwave the design on high for 10 - 30 seconds until the paint puffs and it’s all nice and dry.

Dry Shampoo

2009-08-12T15:18:00.002+12:00

Dry Shampoo
Adapted from Natural Beauty by Aldo Facetti

5 ounces (150 grams)
coarse-ground cornmeal, semolina or couscous
30 drops essential oil of lemon
20 drops castor oil

Mix the ingredients in a blender for a few seconds. Working over the sink, a large towel, or spread-out newspapers, bend your head forward and distribute pinches of the mixture over the hair and scalp.

Gently massage the entire head, slowly and methodically, working in sections.
Keeping the head bent forward, comb and then brush out the meal. Continue combing and brushing until the hair is shiny and free of all traces of the shampoo.

Taking a Blogging Break

2009-06-22T07:51:00.000+12:00

Taking a break.
This time of year has gotten extremely busy for us so I am going to take a blogging break for the next 6 weeks or so. I may not get to visit with you but I will be back.
May the Lord bless you.

Decorate Your Sneakers

2009-06-08T14:43:00.009+12:00

Decorate Sneakers

You need

1 pr of white canvas sneakers

Paper napkins/serviettes

Outdoor Mod Podge (or similar)

Pony Beads

Soft brush

Instructions

1. Choose a paper napkin with pictures that can be cut out (or torn around), like butterflies or flowers, bears etc. Or just plain colours in squares or dots. You decide. Remember your sneakers are your canvas!! Be creative!!!

2. Tear off the back layers of the paper napkin. Paint the whole sneaker starting at the toe end and work your way back to heel of sneaker.

3. Lay the pieces of napkin where you want to place them. If using plain colours, you can overlap for a rainbow effect.

4. Brush on a top coat of the podge.
Let dry completely. Adding more coats will give better protection.

5. You can probably scotchguard them afterwards but try wearing them only in dry weather to preserve your artwork.

Use beads to decorate the laces if desired.

This craft is something you could supervise letting your children do to a pair of their own sneakers.

Blueberry Pie Refashion Frock Giveaway

2009-05-26T12:48:00.005+12:00

No, I didn't make this but I do wish I could be so creative.
This gorgeous dress has been refashioned. It is so bright and cheerful.
If you would like to enter the giveaway just visit this blog by clicking on the title link.

Bath Cookies

2009-05-03T19:24:00.002+12:00

Materials:
2 cups of Sea salt or rock salt
1/2 cup Baking soda
1/2 cup Cornstarch/Cornflour
2 tbs of Almond oil
1 tsp Vitamin E oil
1-2 eggs
6 drops Essential oil

Makes 10-12 cookies depending on size.

Instructions:
These bath cookies make fantastic gifts any time of the year.

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Cut the cookies out with cookie cutters or flatten balls to form a cookie shape.

Bake at 350'F (180'C)for 10-12 minutes.
Allow to cool.

Use 1-2 per bath by adding them to running water.

Wrap these in air tight packaging or seal them in an airtight container. These cookies will last several months maybe longer.

The picture above is of chocolate chip bath cookie. Just sprinkle in 2 tbs of chocolate spinkles or chocolate chips.

Make a Lace Bowl

2009-04-22T20:25:00.003+12:00

I have always loved lacy doilies.
You can make a beautiful bowl using a round lace doily.

What you need:
A crocheted lacy doily
Fabric Stiffener (or Starch)
Small bowl or a round margerine container
Plastic cling wrap
Wax paper

Put small bowl or container upside down and cover with plastic cling wrap.
Put doily into fabric stiffener, soak and then wring out excess liquid.

If you don't want to buy fabric stiffener, you can make your own by
boiling equal parts of sugar and water until the sugar is completely dissolved.
using liquid starch, OR
mixing white glue with a little water

Drape the doily over the container, press down and flute the edges
Place container on wax paper to dry over night. turn back up the right way and you have a pretty lacy bowl.

When dry, decorate it with any embellishments you like, ie, ribbon, glitter, dried flowers. You can them for all seasons, or holidays. For Christmas you could decorate with green/red ribbon and fill with candy.

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-12T16:58:00.002+12:00

He is Risen!

Blessed Resurrection Sunday.

Decoupage Pencils

2009-03-30T08:36:00.005+13:00

An art and craft project I did with my daughters one afternoon was to make decoupage pencils.
You need a pack of plain wooden pencils (no coating on outside - just plain wood)
colourful paper napkins/serviettes (pattened and colourful have best effect).
Craft clue.

Simply tear napkins into little pieces ( half inch/2cm squares)
Apply the pieces to the pencil using a small paintbrush or your fingers(it does get messy this way and the paper will stick to little fingers!)
Roll around until the pencil is completely covered. If paper tears simply apply another piece.
Let dry.
No two pencils are the same!
Great fun.

Back on Board

2009-03-25T13:01:00.001+13:00

Hi there dear ones.I have so much to be thankful for.
I have had a break due to family circumstances and all is well that I can resume some postings on my blogs. Yay!!!
I look forward to getting back to reading your blogs, so do drop by again and say hi when you have time.
hugs

Changes

2009-02-09T13:46:00.001+13:00

Due to unforseen family circumstances I will be withdrawing from blogging until further notice. I won't take down my blogs as I do hope to return to them oneday.
I am sorry that I have been so sporadic of late but unfortunately it is something I have to do.
I do ask the Lord bless each of you who have befriended me and visited. Please pray if I come to mind.
Thanks!
hugs

String Balls or Eggs

2009-02-01T19:38:00.004+13:00

These are so cute and simple to make.

What You Need:
* Small balloons (water bomb ones are good too)
* Fabric Starch or something similar
* Dish or bowl
* Embroidery cotton (or coloured string) in various colours

1. Blow up the balloons to the size you want, (water balloons will be smaller and egg shaped). Tie a knot to secure.

2. Put fabric starch into dish/bowl. Place the lengths of string/cotton (as long as you want - just try not to get it tangled up). Let the string/cotton soak. Then pull the string/cotton through your thumb and forefinger to remove the excess starch.

3. Wrap the string/cotton around the balloon, doing a crisscross motion. Use one colour or complementing colours to make your ball/egg. Do this to as many balloons as you want to make.

4. Using a thread of cotton, hang the egg/balls up to dry somewhere.

5. When completely dry, use a pin to pop the balloon and put out its remains from within the egg/ball.

6. You can use the smaller eggs for an Easter decoration, or as balls to display in a large bowl/dish as a table decoration.

New Beginnings

2009-01-30T09:30:00.005+13:00

Welcome~

When I set up this blog, my mind was all over the place with ideas and plans. With the busyness of our summer holidays I now have a blank!! That's not a good start, is it??

Not to worry it won't be for long.

I can share though something that I made a few days ago. I bought a Cuttlebug and have also bought a few folders and die cuts as well. I have a friend whose daughter is 23 today so I made her a birthday card. Please bear in mind it is my first attempt at anything using the Cuttlebug so I do hope I shall improve with time.

I used a pre-folded card, then used some purple fiberous paper (I think it is called Mulberry Paper), some white card with Swiss Dots embossed on it, then place two of the little birthday stamp folders (that came free with the CB).
I then used some MARVY LePlume pastel marker pens (that I bought from Hobby Lobby in the USA back in the 90's). Lastly I used Kindy Glitz to give some glitter hi-lites to the stamps.

My New Blog

2009-01-02T14:26:00.000+13:00