Iron Craft '13 Challenge #1: Cotton.

I mentioned on one of the various social networks I utilize that I was taking part in Iron Craft '13 with Sarina. Since the first of the twenty-six challenges was cotton, I realized this one would be easier than I had anticipated. I had a slew of cotton bags lying around, so I brought some to Sarina's craft lair [she has a craft room - so jealous] + we decided to use the freezer paper stencil technique on the bags.

I was trying to figure out what to make + decided to make something seasonal + musical. Ummmm, what? It makes sense, I promise!

These bags = best craft store find of 2012. They're great for creating gifts for friends + family.

Sarina's assortment of paints. I bought a few to include in the box, as I'm always using her supplies.

So, I decided since Valentine's Day is soon approaching, I would make something that would be useful + cute! I used metallic red paint + iridescent paint, to keep it cute + simple. This is a natural cotton bag + I wanted to keep it simple, seeing as the other side had a bit more color.

My inner Beatlemaniac decided that using a simple line from "All You Need Is Love" would be perfect. Even those who aren't Beatles fans can enjoy this simple, yet beautiful message. I made the O's into hearts + added an extra one off to the side. I drew all of my stencils for this freehand, including all of the hearts.

The next week, we thought that we had start the next challenge, but realized that challenges are every two weeks. So, we decided to just have fun with the extra bags! I Didn't finish this bag, as I only did one side + still don't know what I'd like to add to it. Next time I'm in the craft lair, I'll figure something out!

Are any of you participating in Iron Craft? If you are, let me know - I'd love to see your creations! 

Teach Me Something Thursday, Volume Eighteen.

Welcome to the first TMST of the new year! The eighteenth installment is from Amber, the blogger behind My Three Bittles. Amber teaches us how to make play dough from ingredients sitting in your pantry! This is an excellent activity to develop fine motor skills in little ones [the teacher in me HAD to tell you that].

Hey guys, I'm Amber of My Three Bittles and today I'm going to teach you how to make play dough! YAY!!!!My kids got so super excited about this and spent FOREVER playing with it. So, let's make some play dough, shall we?! Yes. I think we shall. It's QUITE simple really, but I've been in such a "let's share" mood lately, that I thought I'd photograph the process and share with y'all.

So here we go:

You'll need:

1 c. flour

1/2 c. salt

1 tbsp. cooking oil

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid

1 c. water

Go on and mix up your dry ingredients into your pot. Then add the oil and water.

Cook over medium heat until mixture forms a ball.

Dump onto counter or wax paper and knead, knead, knead the Kool-Aid into it.

Then watch little hands play.

And sometimes your kid will be so grateful that he'll make you a play dough heart and melt your heart.

Visit My Three Bittles for recipes, crafts + everything else in between!

Sugar Junkie.

I am such a sucker for anything kawaii - have been since I was a youngin'. Some of you might be asking yourself, what the heck is kawaii? It basically translates to "cute" in Japanese. When I came across Pajamie's Sugar Junkie creations, I spent a good twenty minutes drooling over her Etsy shop. One day, she asked if any bloggers would like to review some Sugar Junkie accessories, + I jumped at the chance!

I was sent a plethora of goodies in the cutest wrapping, with an even sweeter card! What you are feasting your eyes on are the Crochet Chocolate Chip Cookie Brooch, Star Lollipop Bracelet, Pastel Strawberry Hand Painted Wooden Heart, and a Pastel Rainbow Valentine Bracelet. Each item is so fun + you can't help but smile when you see them. When I saw the Cookie Brooch, I immediately thought of my favorite little cookie monster, Julia. She would be so excited to have this, so I'm saving this to put in with her Christmas present. The Star Lollipop Bracelet reminds me of Rainbow Brite, which was one of my favorite shows growing up. The Strawberry Heart is really cute + reminds me of Strawberry Shortcake, which was another one of my favorite shows. The Rainbow Valentine Bracelet reminds me of hair accessories I had when I was younger - my hair was down to my behind until I was nine or ten, so my mom was always using super cute barrettes + hair ties to keep my mane in check. 

Once I can justify making purchases again [Erich gives me the evil eye if I even mention shopping - I'm on a budget until further notice], I plan on snagging a Cat Coffee Cozy. It will keep me from wasting sleeves at Starbucks, in turn helping to save trees. I'm torn between the blue + orange [not pictured]. 

When you have a moment, head over to Sugar Junkie + check out some of Pajamie's recent creations. Pajamie also has a really fun blog, which you should swing by as well.

UPDATE: Sugar Junkie has added a coupon, just for the blog! Use the code shortgirl10 and get 10% until Sunday, September 23.