Kids Crafts: Embroidery in Hoops!

I had my older 2 do an embroidery project! Since I had a box of embroidery hoops just begging to be used... I cut squares of a twine like...smooth fabric I had in the stash! Got their hoops ready...they were OVERJOYED! :) Gave them each a fat needle and the rest was up to them! They picked their embroidery floss... And set to work, while we listened to books on tape Next time, I'll probably have them pencil out a design first... but they were 100% in control and so that was cool to them. I love to watch them concentrate! And Hailee asked if she could add buttons.  Sure!  I just trimmed the backing and hot glued it to the backside of the hoop. Lightweight and easy to hang with a command hook! Linking up to THESE parties this week!

Waterproofing Boots and Shoes for April Showers!

Waterproofing your leather boots, shoes, bags, canvas tents and other  sturdy canvas things...is really easy!  And perfect for preparing for Summer camping ahead! This technique works great for canvas shoes like Toms too! You need: Paraffin wax  pan of water foil mason jar (or old glass jar on it's way to recycling) A "throw away later" working surface...we used a box. Old paintbrush (as this will ruin your brush forever) Heat gun or blow dryer    Put the paraffin wax in the mason jar.    (Paraffin is Super cheap and found in grocery stores usually in the baking need aisle...I know it's weird...right around the chocolate chips!) Wrap the jar with foil. put the jar in the pan of water...and boil.  Essentially a double boiler.  When the wax is melted, just paint the wax right onto your shoes. It goes on pretty rough...but no worries.   Paint all the surface that you want waterproofed. T...

Pie Crust!

  Recipe for pie crust: 2 cups flour 3/4 cup shortening or butter 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup cold water Cut ingredients together with pastry blender or fork. Do not over handle or mix in a mixer.  Do not blend more than necessary...just enough to incorporate the ingredients.  Split dough in half  (you can make 2 pie shells or 1 covered pie with this recipe)  Roll out on lightly floured surface    Carefully lift crust and fold over on itself Fold it over again  Carefully lift the folded crust into your pie pan    Gently unfold    press holes together and gently press into pan  Trim overhanging dough with a knife  Make a pretty scallop edge by holding 2 fingers in the crust  and using your pointer finger gently pull the crust  between your fingers in toward the center. Perfect and ruffled!  Poke holes on the bottom with a fork  Re...