No-sew fringed cushion cover tutorial

This has to be the easiest cushion cover you will ever make. I remember seeing the instructions for this from a project sheet from my local Spotlight store in Brisbane (Australia) I think many years ago. Anyway, here is how you can do it! This is a great quick project for a teen or younger too. There are some great polar fleece prints out there. (forgive the less than stellar lighting for my photos - very rainy day here today)

All you need is your cushion insert, some polar fleece and a pair of scissors.

I just eyeballed my measurements but you need to lay out a double thickness of the polar fleece and cut out a generous band around your cushion. Of course, you could make yourself a pattern after measuring your cushion and working out what length you want for fringing but I went for quick and cheerful today (especially with a 3 yr old in tow) and just eyeballed it. The end result doesn't really need such careful measuring.

After you cut around your cushion, cut out each of the four corners (like so)....

and cut the remaining sides into strips.

Separate your two layers and put the cushion inside.

Match up your side lengths of fringe and tie each pair of them (twice) up close to the cushion. Just do this all the way around and then you have your fringed edge cushion with not a needle in sight! I quite like a long fringe but just experiment with the length you want. You can always trim them off after you have finished if they are a bit long for your liking.

Father's Day is coming...

I think Father's Day is next month down here in Uruguay but I believe in the US it is this coming weekend? In Australia it isn't until September. Anyway, here are a few ideas and what the kids will be making for their Daddy.

The photo above is his present from 3 years ago - it is just each of our handprints on a bought canvas. I got David to do his handprint first weeks before so he forgot about it and it was a surprise on the day. The thing I love about this photo is that A was not yet a year old and hated anything on his hands so I had to quickly smoosh his hand in the paint and squish it on to the canvas before he had time to scream too much. Talk about child abuse! I think his little smooshy hand print is adorable (but I am biased).

This pencil cup is what the kids will be making this year. You can get the instructions from Busy Bee Kid's Crafts here. I am going to spray paint a leftover food tin first and probably cover it with a nice 'manly' patterned paper before letting the kids cut and paste.

A tradition I started a few years ago is one of David's favourite presents. Every year I take a photo of the kids with a sign saying, first with only Miss E, 'I love you Daddy' and now, with the two of them 'We love you Daddy'. He has a flip top desk calendar at work that the photos go into. How I am going to get the kids to do it when they are teenagers is anybody's guess (but I suspect bribery will be involved).

I am also keen on this idea over at Martha. I just need to find a note cube....

Napkin peg bag tutorial

I made this little peg bag for the kid's play clothesline as they love to hang out the 'smalls' while the rest is being hung on the big line. I saw this idea in a British Country Living magazine a number of years ago but can't find their image. Anyway, this is almost exactly the same except they used two different (and very pretty!) fabrics together and I have utilised a napkin I don't use for it's original purpose anymore.

All you need is a square fabric napkin, 4 buttons, needle and thread, scissors, string and a carabiner (and a match - which I forgot to include in the photo).

Attach a button on each corner of the napkin using a match between the button and thread to provide room for a shank underneath. After securing the button with 3 or 4 passes with the thread, bring the thread back up through the fabric to underneath the button (I did have a photo for this step but I can't get it to work on here - grrr).....

then wrap this thread around the threads underneath the button a few times to provide the secure shank which gives you room to wrap the string under it later. Pass the thread back through to the wrong side and securely knot it and trim the thread. As mentioned before, do this for all four corners of your napkin.

Cut two pieces of string (approx. 20cm each), fold in half and knot one end. Wrap the loop around one button and twist the string until it is quite tight but not curling back on itself.

Put the other end around the diagonally opposite button on the napkin. The twist will keep the string securely on the buttons.

Do this for both diagonal duos.

Loop the carabiner through where the string crosses.....

and hang from a clothesline. You can use this yourself of course, not just for the kids. It actually holds a surprising number of pegs and the carabiner makes it easy to push along the line with you as you work. I also use it inside with my drying line. Please forgive the less than stellar colour coordination of the napkin, buttons and carabiner but I was trying to utilise what I have instead of purchasing anything! My version of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Going potty...

My first terrarium (with moss from the yard - need some more pebbles to fill in the gaps)

Miss E has been asking to pot up some flowers to 'brighten up' our backyard. We are renting and there are heaps of plants but not a huge number of flowers. So, off to the nursery we go and both the kids really love it there. Oh, the possibilities! They take the selection of plants so seriously it takes ages to pick the flowers. A is only 3 but decides he needs a pot for himself as well. So, we finally choose all our plants, some pots and soil and head home for some planting fun. I have been eyeing off all the lovely terrariums around the design world so bought a small succulent for a rose bowl vase that I rarely use. Note to self: measure the actual opening to a terrarium vessel before buying the plants.....I got them in there in the end! This, below, is my terrarium after the kids found it. Obviously a terrarium isn't complete without cats, a giraffe and a dinosaur!

I also planted up an ivy hoop pot (is there a proper name for this??). I just used a wire coathanger bent into a circle and with the hook buried in the soil. I pulled up a bit of ivy from the garden as well (pray for it - it may need that to survive I fear). Considering I used an old pot laying about I don't think this cost anything except the little bit of bought potting mix. Woo hoo! I didn't have anything on hand to use as mulch so I gathered up some fallen autumn leaves and ripped them up into little bits and covered the soil with that. I really like how that looks now.

Here is Miss E's pot of 3 yellow pansies and a gazania in the middle.

Miss E also loved this large lamb's ear. Well, it kind of looks like what we would call lamb's ear because it is beautifully soft to the touch but the leaves are much smaller than any I have seen. Anyway, whatever it is, it is still a tactile delight.

Here is A's pot of 3 purple pansies. I used the autumn leaf mulch here too. I put some in Miss E's pot after the photo as well. All in all, a successful gardening weekend! What did you do on the weekend?

Homemade peanut butter

I did this a few days ago. Homemade peanut butter! We can't get a regular/decent supply of peanut butter here so it finally dawned on me to make it. A was literally standing by just waiting for a yummy peanut butter and honey sandwich. It turned out pretty well and A loves it. Not as smooth as I had hoped and am not sure if that is because of the quality of my food processor or not. Anyway, all I did was buy a packet of roasted and salted peanuts, throw the contents in the food processor and blend. It takes a few minutes. I added a few slugs of olive oil as it was going to moisten it a bit and a tiny little bit of sugar (I like the mix of sweet and salty). I am very happy with it and it will certainly be used a lot around here for the favourite sandwich combo and now I can add some to a quick satay recipe! Yum.

Boardgame box tutorial

Update! - see prettier lid here.

Ok, well this is the tutorial that I have been trying to get to for weeks. The half finished box has been sitting on my desk mocking me. Anyway, it is done now and here are the pics to show you how to do it too. Right at the end are the things I learnt along the way and how I would do it differently next time.

This is the poor, sad, battered box beforehand. Such lovely soothing colour combinations too.

I measured the size of the gameboard and then added how much I thought I would need for the game pieces and what height I would need for the sides of the box.

I used an old moving carton for my cardboard but would use a thinner cardboard next time. It threw out my measurements somewhat when I hadn't accounted for the thickness of the walls. I measured out my previous calculations on the cardboard and cut it out, removing the corner tabs. I would have kept them for added strength if the cardboard was thinner. I also scored along the folding lines.

I folded up the sides and added a little piece of strong duct tape to each corner to hold it in place.

Then I added another longer piece for reinforcement.

I placed it on brown kraft paper and cut out tabs for gluing around the edges for a neater finish...

like this. I also glued the paper all over to adhere to the cardboard for a flatter finish.

Here is the bottom of the box with the completed covering of brown paper (I just like the utilitarian look of brown paper but anything would work that you like).

Here is the layout of how I calculated the insert to accommodate the game board and the game piece section with a division between the two.

Here is how mine looked cut out...

Here is how a side elevation of it folded would look. I really only included this picture because I was so happy with my little diagram!

Here it is folded in the box with the game board in residence (I used double sided tape to keep the sides of the insert flush with the box). Now, for the lid, do exactly the same basic box structure and just add enough in the measurements to allow the lid to fit over the bottom box. I had to add a lot to my measurements because the cardboard is so thick but you would need less for a thinner material. Once I had the brown paper covered lid finished I wanted to add the name of the game on top so...

I printed out the title in the font I wanted and then laid it straight over my chosen paper to cut around. I used a good pressure to cut through both pieces of paper so I only had to do this once. If you do this, cut out the inside pieces of a's and o's first.

The completed box! Yay!

It looks so much nicer on the shelf than the regular garish boxes if you have to have them out on display. I think I will add a nice label to the side as well now I see it on the shelf. That would be necessary if you had a bunch of them on a shelf too.

Ok, things I learnt along the way:

- the old saying 'measure twice, cut once' is very, very true. Winging it just doesn't cut it here. Trust me.

- I would seriously recommend a thinner cardboard. Whilst my new boardgame box could probably withstand a hurricane, that sort of thickness really isn't necessary and created a lot of hassle with the measurements. Plus it wasn't as easy to get a pretty finish with the covering.

- I would use spray adhesive to secure the paper to the card after the shape is cut out but before it is folded into place. I just don't have easy access to those sorts of basic materials. I had to use a bunch of glue sticks instead!

- Don't make the measurements for the divider the same height as the box. It needs to be about 1cm less than the height of the sides once folded. Ditto for the sides of the insert.

- As much as I like the look of brown paper I will probably try something a bit more colourful next time - a brighter colour, basic stripe or polka dot would look great. Also, I worry how it will stand up to regular use. I think leftover wallpaper or oilcloth would be a sturdier cover or I might even use a pretty paper and use a spray varnish over the top. One day when I have access to such things I will do another and see how it comes out.

I could see a whole set of boardgames done this way sitting on a shelf all stacked prettily and in full view...

Anyway, I hope you like this and, if anyone else does one, please show me your finished project!

Sunday Style Section

Ok, I was stretching there to get the alliteration going (in the title). I keep meaning to start a 'Friday Favourite Finds' (or Favourite Finds Friday..) regular post but Friday comes and goes and then it is Sunday and I remember again.... So, maybe next week it will make it for the more poetic alliteration day!

So, here is a little mixed collection of some of my favourite finds from Etsy mainly but also a couple of ring-ins (is that only an Australian term??).

How gorgeous is that tablescape up there (the photo above) which is the work of the very talented Amy Atlas (found via Apartment Therapy). She has lots of great ideas for presenting sweets beautifully (and other things probably - haven't passed the sweets pages yet).

I love this little guy (from The Runny Bunny on Etsy). I love the bird, I love the green (as you will see further down below as well). I can see him perking up my stark white walls and chocolate stained timber bookcases and leather lounge. I have been contemplating starting a collection of all white figurines but then I see this little guy. I have now been contemplating a green ceramic figurine collection....but when you move around like we do, I have to say just the thought of having more stuff to lug around is enough to stop me. Maybe, instead of a collection I could just have this one.....hmmm.

Isn't this hanging bird house just too sweet? I love the clean lines and the mushroom shape. Very earthy. The seller is mudpuppy on Etsy and they have loads of other ceramic stuff including those little miniature mushrooms so popular in terrariums right now.

I thought of my sister when I saw this chartreuse owl. Not sure why. I have no idea if she even likes owls but, seriously, whose home wouldn't benefit from the cheeriness of a chartreuse owl?? They (Fruit Fly Pie on Etsy) also have similar ones in bright orange and yellow and aqua. I thought of another sister for the yellow one. So darn gorgeous! I could handle the aqua one myself... (for those of you who are less adventurous with the colour aspect they also have them in calmer colours like celadon, buttercream and white).

Now, my sister may or may not have a thing for owls (yet) but I definitely have a thing for squirrels, as only a person who has never been near one (or had them in her garden) can. I love, love, love this necklace (from The Brass Hussy) and I would buy it in a heartbeat except for the glaring fact that I really don't like wearing necklaces that much! I have to force myself to wear the lovely selection that I have already. Or I put them on only to think they don't suit and then take them off again. Oh, but I love this.

Here is another talented person, whom I have only just discovered. Her name is Rebecca Thuss and she crafted these lovely party favours. There are many more to see on her website.

These lovely earrings I am just about to purchase for my sister-in-law's birthday. The lovely and talented Cate Holst has made them. Check out her shop. There are some beautiful items of jewellery as well as the most fantastic printable invites (seriously cute 3D type ones). I love her blog (A Work in Progress) as well - check it out.

Last but not least, I discovered yet another great blog (The Purple Pea) and loved this project she did with an old nightstand and some paper doilies. I thought this turned out great. Click here to see her before shot and get the tutorial on how she did it. She is very funny and I am really enjoying reading back through her posts.

Well, I hope you enjoy the fruits of my surfing labours! If I can extract my son from my leg this week I might even get some crafting done.....

Cupcake heaven

So, today, I made some cupcakes for a friend's daughter's birthday party (my first paid catering job!). The pink ones above are mini cupcakes with buttercream frosting and sprinkles and the ones further below with little butterfly toppers are regular size. I use my favourite orange cake recipe for these cupcakes as it is so moist and the orange flavour is wonderful. Here is the recipe that I have been using for years from my dear sister. It is so easy and quick too. Two of my favourite words when baking!

Orange (Butter) Cake

Ingredients

175g (6 ozs) butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 tspn vanilla essence

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups SR flour

1/2 cup orange juice (or milk for the plain butter cake version)

Method

Beat butter and sugar to a cream, add vanilla then eggs (and beat after each addition). Mix in flour and orange juice (milk) alternately and bake in a moderate oven for approx. 45 - 50 mins *. I usually line the tin with greaseproof paper if making the whole cake.

* This time is only if you do it as the full cake obviously. The cupcakes cook in a much quicker time. Just watch until they are a light golden colour and spring back when touched on top.

Other notes:

- Don't be tempted to use bought orange juice. Freshly squeezed is definitely best and I always squeeze enough to use for the frosting/icing as well.

- I also add the zest of about one or half an orange to give a little bit more flavour (I make sure it is fine zest if I am doing them for children). Thank you, my dear friend Emily, for showing me this!

These little cupcake toppers (below) are my first attempt at these. I haven't seen these in Australia (or elsewhere) but have been noticing them a lot in the US magazines I subscribe to. Anyway, I thought they would be a fun addition to these plainer cupcakes. They were dead easy to make. I just punched a bunch of butterflies out of three different papers (I would use more densely patterned papers next time), added a drop of glue to the back and stuck the toothpick to it. Quite effective!