Family Memory Game

A few weeks before last Christmas I decided that I absolutely NEEDED to make Family Memory Games for my kids AND the kids in our extended family.

You know how when you are just going along, minding your own business, and all of a sudden an idea hits you and you HAVE to do it? And there's just no getting around it?

That's what happened. I wish this idea had struck me in July, because then I would have been able to complete the project at a leisurely pace. Instead, I was up all hours of the night figuring out all the little details and printing and cutting and gluing and laminating and cutting some more. But I'm so glad I did it. I absolutely love my finished products.

I customized each family's game so that it matched them.

It's like this:

For Peyton and Ella's Family Memory Game I included pictures of us, all their grandparents, all their aunts and uncles, and all their cousins. I tried to have Peyton and Ella in as many pictures as possible - like a picture of Peyton with his cousin Jack instead of just a picture of Jack. To bring it on home, you know?

But then for cousins Noah and Hayden's Family Memory Game, I had their mom, my sister-in-law, email pictures of her side of the family. So she sent me pictures of Noah and Hayden's grandparents and aunt and uncle from her side. And then I combined those with pictures of grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins from our side. Because this game is all about each child's family, not just my side of the family.

And I tried to make sure that each person was equally represented - I didn't want five pictures of Peyton and only one picture of Ella, that sort of thing.

I made 16 pairs of photos for my games. I wasn't thinking about how to make a perfect game square with all the finished laid out cards. So if you want a perfect game square, you will want to make 18 pairs. And the picture below only has 15 pairs because my kids have stolen a couple pictures for their rooms.

Here's what you will need:

18 Sets of double-printed pictures

Pretty scrapbook paper

2 Colors of matching cardstock

Paper cutter

(you can use regular scissors if you want to be a cutting martyr)

Regular scissors

Scalloped-edge scissors

Glue stick

Wine

(what? how did that get in there?)

Acrylic box

(mine is 4" x 4" x 2" from Hobby Lobby)

An extra little photo of each family member

(for the game box lid)

4 Glue dots

The Memory Cards:

Cut with Paper Cutter:

Pretty scrapbook paper to 2.5" x 2.5".

One color of cardstock to 2.5" x 2.5".

The other color of cardstock to 2.25" x 2.25".

Wine:

Drink a glass of wine while you cut your paper. Because you will most likely be cutting for HOURS. (optional)

Glue Stick:

The 2.5" cardstock squares to the back of the scrapbook paper squares. This will make the memory cards sturdier.

The 2.25" cardstock squares onto the 2.5" cardstock squares.

Cut with Scalloped-Edge Scissors:

The photos along the outside edge. You just need to trim enough so that you can see the smaller cardstock underneath when you glue them together.

(I used my iphoto program and printed my pictures to size 2.25" square. If you can't do that, print them as small as possible and cut them into 2.25" squares. As you choose pictures, remember that you'll be cutting them - super big faces won't work - unless you want a memory card with two eyes and part of a nose.)

Glue Stick:

The photos to the small cardstock squares.

Here's the front (large blue cardstock, small green cardstock, picture):

Here's the back (scrapbook paper):

Comparison Shop and Travel:

Find the cheapest laminating service around. I found that the companies that used large laminating machines (at least 3 feet wide) were more inexpensive than the companies that used smaller machines (8.5" x 11" laminated sheets). For all the cards for the multiple families that I had laminated, it cost me about $12. All of these are on a single laminated sheet:

Cut with Regular Scissors:

The laminated memory cards. Laminated corners can be sharp, so I recommend rounding them a little with your scissors.

The Box:

Print from Computer:

Some sort of title. I used "Peyton and Ella's Family Memory Game" for ours.

Cut:

One color cardstock to fit the inside of the lid.

The scrapbook paper a little smaller than the cardstock.

The second color of cardstock a little smaller than the scrapbook paper.

Cut with Scallop-Edged Scissors:

The title a little smaller than the second color of cardstock.

Glue Stick:

It all together.

Wine:

Drink a glass of wine because you are almost done! Yay! (optional)

Cut (A 1-inch circle punch works well, but if you don't have one, just use scissors):

The extra little photo of each family member.

Glue Stick:

The photos to the top of your title.

Glue Dot (Notice how I totally made that into a verb? Awesome):

Stick the glue dots in the corners of the inner part of the lid. Stick the title in.

All done! Time to play and have fun!

Happy Crafting!

Glass Garden Totem Lights

I have the pattern figured out but have not glued or staked.
What I really would like is to figure out how to put lights inside where I can change the light bulb.
I will post again when finished.

How to make

step 1

Collecting your glass pieces
Look for pieces that will stack well together and have a flat gluing surface on the bottoms.
This will help prevent water and air from getting inside once they are glued together and
it will help the totems look level when you have a flat gluing surface to work with.

step 2
Preparing the glass pieces
Clean all glass well with warm soapy water and make sure they are thoroughly dry
and lint free before gluing. I used a microfiber cloth to "polish" the glass before gluing.
You can use denture cleaning tabs for hard to clean vases (1-4 tabs per vase usually works).

step 3
Gluing
Use a clear silicone glue or Lexel for best results.
Make sure the adhesive you use is weather resistant.
Glue up pieces in sections, letting each section cure before putting them all together as one piece.
Try gluing the pieces during low humidity to reduce condensation.

step 4
Displaying your totems
You can make free standing totems or use an upside down vase glued to the bottom
to mount them on poles. Copper is a popular choices, but with prices being so high
these days, I use PVC conduit pipe (the gray stuff in the home improvement stores).
You can paint it using a spray paint specifically for plastics to give it the look of copper or
any other color you may like. R…

step 5
Displaying them in your garden
They really sparkle in the sun and look great in the garden. The options are endless.

The Pocket Angels

Gwen's Pocket Angels
Instructions for pocket angel
Materials
Scrap material small ornament balls thread scissors hot glue gun wedding rings or pipe cleaner for halo ribbon cord or fishing line
 1. Cut your material out

2. Gather top of dress and middle of wings

3.glue dress to ornament

4. glue wing piece on back

5. This is what you have now

6. Glue halo on

7. Now glue your little bow on

8. Now glue you little cord to the back.

Fishing line works good too

Paper Dolls

Who does not lkike paper dolls !
I found this fun Tutorial on Magnetic Dolls. HERE
Really cute http://www.onepearlbutton.com/
Also a paper doll to Print and use.

English Toffee Recipes

Paula Deen Recipe


Ingredients
14 tablespoons (1 stick, plus 6 tablespoons) butter
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cold water
1/2 chopped pecans
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dash salt
1 (6-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips or thin chocolate bars

Directions
Generously butter a cookie sheet.
Put butter, sugar, and water in a heavy pan or skillet over
medium-high heat. Bring to a bubbling boil, stirring constantly
with a wooden spoon, about 10 minutes. Remove spoon from
pan, and cook to a very brittle stage (300 degrees to 310 degrees
F on a candy thermometer). Or, make a cold water test: candy
will separate into hard, brittle threads when dropped in cold
water. Remove from heat and add nuts to mixture. Add vanilla
and salt. Pour onto prepared cookie sheet and spread to
1/4-inch thickness. Cool slightly, top with chocolate chips or
chocolate bars, and spread as it melts. Cool completely and
break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.



Cooks Toffee Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
•3/4 cup almonds
•1 pound of dark chocolate
•2 cups (1 pound) butter
•2-2/3 cups granulated sugar
•1/3 cup water
•1/4 cup light corn syrup

Preparation:

1. Toast the nuts by spreading them on a cookie sheet and placing them in a 325-degree oven for approximately 10 minutes. Stir them every 3-4 minutes, and remove them once they darken and become fragrant. Let the nuts cool, then chop them finely.
2. Prepare a 12x16 inch cookie sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Combine the butter, sugar, water and corn syrup in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter. Insert a candy thermometer and bring the candy to a boil, periodically brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystallization.
4. Continue to cook the candy, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300 degrees. If the candy appears to separate (with a layer of melted butter on top) stir vigorously to make it come back together again. Watch the candy as it approaches 300, since it cooks quickly and can scorch at high temperatures.
5. Once the candy reaches 300 degrees, remove from heat and pour it onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the candy to an even thickness. Allow the toffee to begin to set, then spray a knife with nonstick cooking spray and score the toffee into small squares or rectangles. Allow the toffee to cool completely.
6. Once the toffee is cool, break it apart on the scored lines into small squares. The toffee can be left plain, or dipped in chocolate.
7. To dip the toffee in chocolate, begin by melting the chocolate. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in one-minute increments, stirring after every minute to prevent overheating.
8. Dip each piece of toffee in the chocolate, either submerging it completely or dipping it halfway in, according to your preference. Place dipped toffee pieces on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the top generously with chopped nuts. Repeat with remaining toffee, chocolate and nuts.
9. Place the toffee in the refrigerator to set the chocolate, about 30 minutes. Once set, toffee can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Paulines English Toffee

Paulines English Toffee


1 pound butter
2 cups Sugar (C&H)
5 Tablespoons Water
1 cup raw chopped almonds
1 pound bag milk chocolate chips
1/3 cup finely chopped almonds to sprinkle on top of the chocolate

Melt butter, add sugar and water on medium low heat.
Stir until sugar and butter are incorporated.
Continue stirring as it turns creamy light color. Bring temperature to medium heat, stir constantly.
Add raw almonds just before soft crack stage.
When it reaches soft crack, and turns toffee color, pour onto buttered marble or cookie sheet.
Sprinkle with milk chocolate chips. Once the chocolate is melted, spread with spatula.
Sprinkle with finely chopped almonds.
Cool--allow enough time for the chocolate to harden. Crack into pieces and Serve
Best made when air temp is dry and clear.
On rainy moist days the toffee will not set firm.

Chocolate Cookie Thingys

Chocolate Cookie Thingys

Check out this sweet creation by

chiccookiekits.blogspot.com

She has a bunch of tutorials and a book

Looks Great and easy to follow instructions.

I would put these on my Spring Tree in a hot second.

Really cute.

How To Make Fondant Bugs Tutorial

How To  Make Fondant Bugs

This cute group of critters  can be found with an easy titorial on how to make at

chiccookiekits  HERE

Hand Embroidery Pattern

Another Hand embroidery Pattern

The packet can be found over on the etsy site for 2.00 for the full pdf download.

Darling kitchen Kittens playing in the china and glass.

HERE

The Zipper Flower

Printable Seed Packets

Found some really cute seed packets to  print and share.
Link found   HERE

Now if your looking for a seed swap
This is a big swap going on and anyone can join.
There are hundreds of seed swappers there.
Check it out.  HERE

Chalk Board Paint Recipe

Instructions.Things You'll Need:
•Latex paint with a flat finish (amount will vary based on the painting project)
•Unsanded tile grout.
•Container
•Paintbrush, roller or a sponge
•Paint stirrer
•150 grit sandpaper
•Chalk
•Felt cloth
•Dampened towel or sponge
•Towels or rags

Step 1
Measure the flat finish latex paint and unsanded tile grout into a container.
See Tips for ratio of paint with other ingredients. Your project will dictate
how much chalkboard paint you need to make.
Step 2
Mix thoroughly using a paint stirrer, until they are very well blended and there are not any clumps.
Step 3
Apply the paint to the surface that you want to cover using a paintbrush,
roller or sponge. Make sure to allow the paint to thoroughly dry before applying another coat of paint.
Step 4
Sand each coat of paint gently, using 150 grit sandpaper.
Step 5
Wipe the dust away using a clean towel or rag. This will help to keep your chalkboard surface nice and smooth.
Step 6
Condition your new chalkboard by turning a piece of chalk sideways and
rubbing it over the entire surface of the chalkboard. Make sure that you cover the entire board with the chalk.
Step 7
Clean the chalk off the chalkboard using a soft felt cloth. Dampen the cloth with water and wipe off the chalkboard.

Tips & Warnings

The proportion ratio for the chalkboard paint:
1 part acrylic paint, 1/2 part glazing medium and 1/6 part of powder tile grout.
For example, measure 3 tsps. of paint, 1-1/2 teaspoons of glazing medium and 1/2 tsp. powder tile grout.
Another example is 6 tsp. of paint, 3 tsp. of glazing medium and 1 tsp. of powder tile grout..If you use a
magnetic primer under your chalkboard paint, the finished product will be a magnetic chalkboard..If you
are applying the chalkboard paint to a small area such as a section of a door, or message board, mix only
1 cup of paint, making more if needed. For larger areas, simply increase the amount of paint and un-sanded
tile grout proportionally.

Chalk Board Jar

Found this tutorial and idea over at  oilclith addicts
Very nice lady named Kelly has wonderful ideas and things for sale.
I have some old 1908 mason Jars with bail lids I might just doll up with this cleaver chalk paint or cloth.
Tutorial found  HERE  OILCLOTHADDICTS

Button Fairy Antique Images and Link

Here are a couple of vintage antique images you can use to make a button fairy.

This darling tutorial can be found HERE

Toilet Paper Turtle from Connie

Wonderful Paper Turtle card Made by Connie

.Instructions found HERE

Cocktail Sauce Recipe

Cocktail Sauce

Ingredients
1 cup catsup
1-2 tablespoon horseradish (to your taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon Tabasco Sauce
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash pepper

Directions
1Mix all ingredients and chill.
When ready to serve dip shrimp and enjoy.

Hoisin Sauce Recipe

Hoisin Sauce


Ingredients:
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons peanut butter or black bean paste
1 tablespoon honey or molasses or brown sugar
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons sesame oil
20 drops chinese hot sauce, habenero or jalepeno
1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

Directions:
Simply mix together. Keep mixing it will come together.

Brownie Pudding

A while ago Peyton and Ella were watching Barefoot Contessa with me. Ina Garten was making Brownie Pudding and when she was done, they both said, "That looks delicious!" My kids are not adventurous eaters, so if they think something new looks delicious, by golly, we're gonna make it. And if I have to sacrifice by eating that much luscious chocolate, well, it's worth it to help my children.

But here's the thing, to mix it all up, you're supposed to use a stand mixer, and I'm a whiny baby.

When I got married 8 years ago, I registered for, and received, a fancy KitchenAid stand mixer. Because I was trying to be all newlywedy homemakery. I can probably count on both hands how many times I've used it. Because it's heavy and I'm too lazy to get it out. When I really need it I resort to acting like a pouty little wimpy girl, "Honey! PLEEEEEASE will you get out the mixer?" And I whine about it until James unearths that 50-pound monstrosity from behind fifteen other kitchen appliances precariously wedged in the cabinet. Another reason I'm a whiny baby about the mixer is because you have to hand wash it. I don't think there are very many things more ridiculous than hand washing.

But again, as I am a good mother, I will sacrifice for chocolate. Kids! Dang it. I mean I will sacrifice for the kids!

Anyway, check this out: This dessert involves a water bath - wowee! Have you ever made a dessert with a water bath? Have you? Because now I'm feeling all high and mighty.

But then, to cancel out my pretend high and mighty living large feeling, I changed Ina Garten's recipe a little. Because I'm cheap and I'm not spending the extra money on real vanilla seeds. I used vanilla extract instead of a real vanilla bean. And I used 5 large eggs instead of her 4 extra large. And I skipped the framboise. And even with all those cheap-seeking changes:

Goodness Gracious Sakes Alive this Brownie Pudding is soooo good.

You may read the ingredients and think, "Well of course it's delicious, it's made with 5 pounds of butter and chocolate and sugar."

Here's my rebuttal: "So what."

Brownie Pudding

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for buttering the dish

5 large eggs, at room temperature

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly butter a 2-quart (9 by 12 by 2-inch) oval baking dish. Melt the 1/2 pound of butter and set aside to cool.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high speed for 5 to 10 minutes, until very thick and light yellow. Meanwhile, sift the cocoa powder and flour together and set aside.

When the egg and sugar mixture is ready, reduce the speed to low and add the vanilla and the cocoa powder and flour mixture. Mix only until combined. With mixer still on low, slowly pour in the cooled butter and mix again just until combined.

Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared dish and place it in a larger baking pan. Add enough of the hottest tap water to the pan to come halfway up the side of the dish and bake for exactly 1 hour. A cake tester inserted 2 inches from the side will come out 3/4 clean. The center will appear very under-baked; this dessert is between a brownie and a pudding.

Serve with vanilla ice cream.

And if your family is a bunch of piggies like we are:

Enjoy!

Angels Anytime

These beautiful Angels are cookies.

The recipe and instructions are on the  third page.

The sweet hamf face makes a great baby shower decoration

 and gift for that special Church gathering.

Be My Bridesmaid Paper Project

Again Oncewed comes up with a great card tutorial
Check it out HERE

Past Treasure Mine

Being on Olympic year I dug this little photo up out of the archives of the scrapbooks . Thought I would Share .
Being a brazen hussy on more then an occasion or two, I asked the torch runner of we could have photo with him.
He was stopped just outside of Hayward California in 1984.
Our daughter was 8 years old.
She really did not know how lucky she was until just recently when looking back on some of our Ta Da photos.
This was not a regular stop for the runner ,no police,no press ,no fan fare nothing in 1984.
Just a wonderful Ta Da Moment in our life's journey.

Tonights Dinner Recipe to try

Hunan Shrimp
Ingredients:
•3-4 c. peanut oil
•1 1/2 lbs. shrimp, shelled, deveined, tails on, washed, dried, and refrigerated for at least 4 hrs.
•1/2 c. onions, diced into 1/4" pieces
•2 tbsp. fresh ginger, finely chopped
•1 garlic clove, minced
•Sauce, recipe below

Directions:
1.Pour peanut oil into a wok, and heat to 375°F.
2.Oil blanch the shrimp for 45-60 secs., until shrimp begin to turn pink, and curl. Remove, and set aside.
3.Remove oil from wok, then replace 2 tbsp. oil. Heat oil until white smoke appears.
4.Add onions, ginger, and garlic, and stir fry until onions soften, about 2 mins.
5.Add shrimp, and toss together thoroughly.
6.Stir sauce, and pour into the wok. Stir together until shrimp are well coated.
7.Add sesame oil, turn off heat, and stir well. Remove from wok, and serve immediately.

Sauce:
•1 1/2 tbsp. oyster sauce
•3 tsp. sugar
•4 tbsp. ketchup
•1/2 tsp. salt
•pinch of white pepper
•2 tsp. Hunan pepper; the soaked pepper flakes at the bottom of the hot oil OR substitute 2 tsp. chili paste, sambal ooleck, or 1 heaping tsp. crushed red pepper flakes plus 1 tsp. red chili oil
•1 tsp. sesame oil
Directions:
1.Combine in a bowl, and mix well. When ready to serve pour over Cooked shrimp. Serve

What a little cutie Printed Doll

What a little cutie
Print your own Doll
Sweet little thing to print and make.
Now if I only had grandkds I would be a happy happy woman.
Find the Tutorial  HERE

The Sculpey Photo Pendant

Learn how to make this beautiful  Photo Pendant from Sculpey

HERE

Easy Peasy Wall Book Shelf

Friday Morning and still waiting for the Doctor to call.
Started cleaning out my cookbook  booklet collection .
The weather is a bright sunny cold morning.
There are new house projects to do everywhere. Today I found this cute easy peasy Shelf design made by a cleaver mom.
Wish I could use a nice display like this but as you can see by my photos I am a book hoarder.
Enjoy the project found HERE

The Origami Heart Tutorial

This beautiful Origami Heart Tutorial can be found

HERE

Another French Embroideray Pattern

French Embroideray Pattern

Hugs and Kisses From Moda Fabrics

Posted over in Moda fabrics a sweet hugs and Kisses tutorial

Link HERE

Another Wasted Day

Although I spent the day at the Hospital being tested again today I did manage to hang some of my artwork I have mine .moms and daughters up now .
Still need to get great grandmas up. Maybe tomorrow.
Another Wasted day

The fabric ric rac flower

This is one of the best ideas I have seen for old ric rack.

I have two totes of this stuffed vintage ric rack  in a closet somewhere.

Find this tutorial  HERE