I've been planning this project for quite some time. I had a grand idea: I wanted a recipe book full of recipes that we regularly cook, all with pictures so the kids could flip through and see what to make. I typed out the recipes long ago, but was waiting to put my picture idea into motion. Lofty goal. I still want to add pictures, but I thought the other day, as my recipe cards were spilling out of my cabinet - I should just print those recipes and get on with that book. And so I did.
For a personal touch, each recipe names who it's from. Then under that I tried to add a couple lines of commentary about each recipe - who loved it, when we ate it, etc. I am hoping to bring memories along with the how-to-make-it.
At first I searched book stores for a recipe book I could write in. Then I thought, why! Just use a three-ring binder. Trevor got me all the supplies as I gift I had been begging for. I love the page divider things he got - they have pockets, so in the pockets I put recipes that I want to try - ones that sound yummy, but I wasn't sure they would be worthy enough to be typed up and added as a page.
My categories are: Desserts, Main Dish, Breakfast, Appetizers, Breads, Side Dish. These work for me, but obviously you need to tailor your book to your family. I love how it can grow with time. Organizing recipes seems like such a daunting task, but this is soooo doable. Go grab a binder and start typing!
I suggested making a birthday crown for my daughter. She said to make it like a cake. And so the idea was born. Mostly her ideas, although I did suggest the sprinkles (glued on with fabric glue). This is the first time I've sewed with felt and it was soooo easy! I can see why people say making things with felt is addictive. You don't have to finish edges, it doesn't slide when sewing, there are lots of fun colors, it's inexpensive, etc. For this particular hat, we just freehand cut shapes and sewed them together - the hat has a piece of elastic in the back. She wore it all day long. Very fun!!
A friend put together a cute and easy craft. Go buy some cardboard-type 3D letters (Michaels doesn't have them- try JoAnns or Hobby Lobby). Pick out some cute paper, trace the letters onto it and cut them out. Paint the edge of the letters. Glue the paper on with Mod Podge. Lightly sand the edges of the paper for a more finished look. Mod Podge over the top. She let us choose from "Boo" in halloween paper or "Noel" in Christmas paper. I went with "Abby" for my daughter's room. The letters come in all sizes, including giant - try getting one giant letter and doing your last name initial for a family room. Once again, super easy, super cute - go try it!
