Novice Hobbyist

 Just like many of you, I enjoy a trip to the craft store, but at the same time I am always looking for ways to use products I have readily available.  A few weeks ago I saw a Pinterest Pin with painted glass jars for candles.  The concept was simple enough and I had the supplies handy. Supplies: Glass jar (I used a gravy jar) Rubber bands (various sizes) Paint Twine Place rubber bands around jar. 1 coat of paint 2 coats of paint (an imperfect paint job, giving it a rustic look); dry and remove rubber bands.  Lightly sand the excess/peeling paint.  Add twine to the top of the jar, by gluing. The twine hides the screw on portion of the jar giving it a more finished appearance. Add a candle (I use battery candles) and you are all set! In my opinion this looks like birch bark when illuminated.   This is a great way to upcycle some jars and add a little something extra to your home.   Let me know you stopped by--leave a comment or rea

I always have a sweet tooth, but I am also not trying to gain 19 pounds during these unusual times.  I don't mind substitutions and I am always looking for new things to try.  I saw this recipe on Reddit ( r/ketorecipes ) and decided to give it a go!  I would not classify this dish as "healthy"--it just depends on your macros. Here's what you need: Radishes  Bacon  Cheese (any kind that you prefer) First cook your bacon and save the bacon grease/fat and preheat your oven to 375.  Wash and quarter the radishes.   Cook radishes in bacon grease for 8-10 minutes (this is 1 pound of radishes).   Place radishes in an oven safe baking dish and bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven; add cheese (I used about 2 cups--cheddar and mozzarella) and bacon.  Bake for another 6-7 minutes.  Cooking the radishes seems to remove the peppery/spicy bite. Let me know you stopped by--leave a comment or reaction! Happy eating!!    

I enjoy wine, maybe a little more than the next guy or gal.  A few months ago I saw a way to repurpose my bottles (cutting the bottles and making candles), but that was a flop, with a capital F!  You can read about that adventure here , as I am still taking suggestions on how to actually cut the flipping bottle!  This led me to find other ways to repurpose my bottles.  This accomplishes 3 things for me: repurposes materials (although I do recycle as well), relaxes me (crafting is fun), and I get a new home decor item.  #Winning Here's what you need (I've linked some products): Wine bottle (remove label and thoroughly clean) Paint (I used a chalky paint) Twine Burlap Ribbon Paper Flowers Glue gun Sand Paper (optional) Sealant (optional) Paint the bottle; I applied three coats and then distressed with sandpaper; you can seal the paint if  you want to avoid chipping and wear. Glue the twine around the bottom of the bottle. Keeping wrapp

I have been collecting corks for about 3 years.  My husband even bought me a side table (shaped like a wine glass) that is designed to hold corks (it's half full).  Now that I find myself crafting, I finally decided to use them for something other than collecting dust.  I have seen various crafts to repurpose the corks: coasters, pictures, ornaments.  I opted to try the wine cork board. Supplies: Picture Frame (I used a 5x7) Corks (cut in half) Hot Glue Cup Hooks I researched the best/easiest way to cut the corks and I found the easiest way (as it didn't require special tools) was to boil the corks and cut (saw) with a serrated knife.  The key is to keep the corks in the hot water until you are ready to cut.  I pulled them out one at a time to ensure they remained warm and soft.   Boil for 10 minutes Make sure the corks are completely dry! Next arrange the corks inside the picture frame (before gluing) to get an idea of a design

As I was wandering about Michaels  stocking up on craft supplies for me and the kids (since we are homebound for the next several days/weeks thanks to COVID-19) I saw a soap pump for a jar.  Then I recalled seeing painted mason jars on the interwebs--some were for soap, toothbrushes, flowers, etc.  Ergo I decided to give it a whirl.  I added the pump , jar, and chalk paint to the cart, plus some other stuff (it was not a cheap trip). How hard can this be?  I followed the directions on the back of the paint bottle: Paint, dry at least 2 hours between coats (I didn't wait that long, maybe 30 minutes and I applied 3 coats), distress with sandpaper, and seal.  I sealed it with Krylon varnish and acrylic sprays. 1 coat of paint 3 coats of paint and distressed Boom!  Done!  Now it has found its home in our kitchen. This is a great way to upcycle some unused mason jars you have.  If you are unable to get out to an arts and crafts store, Amazon h

I love candles!  There's nothing like the flicker of a candle in the room when you are enjoying a nice glass of wine and unwinding.  However, I am lazy and forgetful.  I get annoyed walking around having to light them and then I forget to put them out (they usually burn for 4-5 hours, if not more 🥴, and that can get expensive).  Therefore, I am a fan of battery operated candles (that are on a timer).  I have not been successful in finding votive holders that were colorful, unique, and inexpensive. So, I called upon Professor Google and I found my inspiration at DIYJOY ! Here is the list of items (ingredients) needed: -Glue gun - Glass gems (translucent is best) -Jar or glass The process is fairly self-explanatory, you glue the gems to the glass.  I opted to put the glue on the gem, but you can apply the glue directly to the glass.  It is best to start on the bottom to ensure you have an even edge.  Depending on the glass shape and size you can stagger the gems to mi