Crafts

Nightmare

from Rebecca's Garden, (that tv show)

Skip the usual cut-and-dry approach to herb arrangements by fashioning a
wreath from fresh snippets of greenery. Start with a small wire wreath
form and a spool of green florists' wire, available in any craft
department. Cut small bunches of thyme, marjoram, oregano, chives, and
other favorite cooking herbs. Take a generous bunch and wire it to the
wreath form with a few turns of wire around the stems. Add a second
bunch, overlapping it onto the wired stems of the first bunch. Continue
around the wreath form in the same way. When your wreath is finished,
hang it in the kitchen near the stove, where it's in easy reach for a
pinch of this or that.

Nightmare

You've bought a brand new concrete gargoyle, angel or gnome for
your garden but you don't want that I-just-bought-look. Or perhaps
you have some terra cotta pots growing henbane that you want to
look suitably old. The easiest way to age your garden statuary and
pots is by encouraging moss to grow on them. It's a simple technique
with several effective variations. You moisten the pot or statue,
then paint it with a mixture which will provide nutrients for the
moss to grow. These include:
1 cup buttermilk plus 1/2 tspn. sugar
yogurt (live culture)
sour milk
3 parts beer to 1 part sugar
liquid plant food
Collect some moss from a nearby locale, and you can either add the
moss to the mixture and chop it up in a blender, then paint it on,
or once you've coated the pot or statue with one of the above
materials, take a piece of moss and rub it all over the surface of
the object. Keep the object in a moist, dark place and mist it daily
to encourage the moss to grow.
Note: this will not work for metal statues or containers. You'll
need to use chemicals to age those objects. The chemicals for aging
metal, come in kits, and can be bought at craft stores.
author unknown

Nightmare

Author unknown

Pin Cushions
Dried lavender flowers were once used in pin cushions because the oil in
the flowers prevented needles and pins from rusting. The simplest way to
make a pin cushion is to take two round pieces of felt, about the size
of a roll of masking tape, and sew the edges together, leaving an
opening. Overstuff with lavender flowers and filler. Sew shut.


Lavender Sticks
The dried stems of lavender may be used as incense. Bind dried sticks
together with a fresh lavender stem and allow it to further dry. Light
one end and place in a fire proof dish. Lavender sticks were once burned
in the homes of sick people, believing that the lavender fumes would
disinfect the air. The stems were also tossed into fires to scent the
home. Dried lavender stems may also be placed between stored bedsheets
and towels to keep them smelling fresh.


Lavender Gift Card
On a sturdy table, place fresh lavender on sheet of blotting paper.
Cover with another sheet of paper and place a couple of heavy books on
top. After several weeks, the lavender will be flat and dry. Buy precut
cards or postcards at any craftstore or make your own. Glue the lavender
and ribbon, if you choose, on to the cards. Cover with wax paper and set
a couple of books on top. Let sit for a day. Uncover and use spray mount
to keep everything in place.


Potpourri
To make lavender potpourri you will need a fixative to absorb the scent
of the lavender and to make it last longer. Powdered orris root is a
fixative but many people are allergic to it so please make certain you
and your loved ones have no problems with it before using. Mix one
tablespoon powdered orris root with one cup of dried flowers ( you may
also add some dried lavender leaves which are almost as fragrant as the
flowers) and blend with your hands. Seal the mixture in a jar and place
it in a warm, dark, dry place to cure for six weeks.
. Just crush it now and again to release more scent.


Lavender Sachets
Cut cotton fabric eight inches long and three inches wide. Fold length
in half, wrong sides facing out. Sew both long sides, 1/4 seams, leaving
top open. Turn right side out. Fold top edges in one inch and iron in
a crease. Fill bag a little over half with lavender potpourri. Gather
top and tie with ribbon. If the lavender scent ever seems to fade, give
the sachet a little squeeze and the lavender will release more scent.


Hanging Bags
Cut a square piece of cheesecloth, any size you want, and fill the
center with lavender potpourri. Gather up edges and tie with ribbon.
These can be used to hang in closets or cars. You can also sew
drawstring pouches to fill with muslin lavender pillows. These are
easier to hang in closets, on hangers


Herb Pillows
Herb pillows can be made into any size and have numerous uses. Always
use cotton fabric and it is wise to make an inner case to fill with the
lavender potpourri and then use a pretty floral, solid, or calico fabric
for the cover. This will prevent the lavender from leaking out. Make
different sizes for putting under sofa cushions, chair cushions, in
linen closets, at the head of the mattress between the mattress and the
fitted sheet, etc..


Drawer Liners
Sew together two tightly woven fabrics, nine by eleven inches, leaving
an opening. Fill lightly with lavender potpourri so that when the liner
is flat, the lavender covers the inside surface. You do not want your
liner to bulk like a pillow. Sew opening shut and make a cover.


Pillows and Soft Toys
Stuff pillows and soft toys with a little bit of lavender potpourri to
scent them.

Nightmare

1 large sweet potato (baked)
1/2 cup raisins
1 banana mashed
1 cup mixed fresh or frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup diced apples
1 1/2 cup granola breakfast cereal
Fruit juice
Mix all ingredients together
Role into little balls (add fruit juice if needed) Place balls on small
cookie sheet
Freeze
After frozen place in freezer bags
Thaw as needed

Nightmare

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 large egg white
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups instant oats
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup thawed frozen apple juice concentrate
1/4 cup thawed frozen pineapple-orange concentrate
1/2 cups chopped walnuts or pine nuts
1 package of Sun Maid Fruit Bits
Beat egg white and oil until frothy
Add juice and blend
Add flour, oats, baking soda, and cinnamon and blend well Stir in walnuts or
pine nuts and fruit bits
Place teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet and bake at 350 F for 10 minutes

Nightmare

A fun, simple bird feeder idea from FamilyFun
Regardless of the season, this easy-to-make feeder will be appreciated by
your neighborhood birds. It features seed treats to provide them extra
energy--particularly suitable during the colder months of the year.
Materials
? 14-ounce package of unflavored gelatin
? 2 cups of your favorite wild birdseed
? Three 4-inch mini bundt or fluted pans
? Colorful ribbon
To make a batch, bring 6 tablespoons of water to a boil.
Empty one 14-ounce package of unflavored gelatin (we used Knox brand) into 2
tablespoons of cold water in a large bowl.
Let the gelatin sit for 1 minute, then add the boiling water and stir for 2
to 3 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved.
Next, stir 2 cups of your favorite wild birdseed into the gelatin, mixing
thoroughly. Let the mixture set for a few minutes, then stir again. Repeat this
process a few times, if necessary, allowing the seed to absorb the liquid.
Spoon the seed mixture into three 4-inch mini bundt or fluted pans (available
at many housewares stores--we got ours at Linens 'n Things--or online cooking
supply sites, such as www.nordicware.com <http://www.nordicware.com>). Place the pans in the
refrigerator or a cool room and let them set for at least 3 hours. Remove the wreaths from the molds by inverting the pans and tapping along the bottoms. Allow the wreaths to air-dry overnight.
Finally, tie colorful ribbon around your wreaths and hang them outside in a
protected spot, such as under an awning or eaves, where the rain won't melt
them.

Nightmare

2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
3 Tablespoons baking powder
1 Tablespoon Spirulina (green algae can be found in some pet shops or health
food stores)
2 eggs and shells (puree in blender)
1 jar of fruit baby food
1 jar of carrot baby food
1 jar of sweet potatoes baby food
1 jar of chicken noodles or rice baby food
3/4 cup peanut butter
2 cups baby cereal
1 1/2 cups shredded/chopped carrots
Mix dry ingredients
Mix remaining ingredients
Combine dry and wet mixtures
Roll on to a greased cookie sheet
Bake at 400 F for 30 minutes
Let cool
Cut into small squares
Any not to be used in the next three days, may be frozen

Nightmare

2 eggs
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
1 box cornbread mix (18 oz)
1/3 cup apple juice
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup thawed frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 cup chopped broccoli or shredded carrot
Place eggs, walnuts and raisins in blender and blend a several seconds
Place this mixture into bowl,
add remaining ingredients.
Stir until well blended.
Place on a greased 8" x 8" x 2" pan
Bake at 400 F for 20 minutes
Let cool for 10 minutes on rack
Loosen edges with spatula
Remove from pan, allow to finish cooling.

Nightmare

Colored sand (various colors)
White glue
Paint brush (old one)
Paper (as thick as possible to prevent warping)
Pencil
PREPARATION:
1. Make sure to cover work surface completely. Lightly sketch design
onto paper. Make design fairly simple with large areas of color.
Stay away from tiny details.
2. Place your drawing on top of another clean piece of paper that
you have folded in half and then opened again. This will aid you in
not only in catching the extra sand but then in pouring in back in
the original container.
3. Pour some glue into a disposable container (paper cups work
well). Thin glue with a few drops of water to the consistency of
paint.
4. "Paint" glue onto areas of picture. (Paint only the areas that
will be the same color until all areas of that color are complete. )
5. Sprinkle or pour sand over the fresh glue and then tip the paper
to get rid of the excess sand. "Paint" more glue and sprinkle more
sand until all areas of the selected color are completed. Extra sand
can be carefully poured back into the original jar.
6. Then move on to each different color completing all areas of one
color before moving on to the next. Let dry.
7. To outline areas, run a thin bead of glue right out of the glue
bottle to outline area, sprinkle desired color of sand, let set a
few seconds and gently tip page to get rid of excess sand. If bead
of glue moves when you tip the picture it can be pushed back into
place gently with a toothpick. More touchup work and be done to the
edges of your outlines when the glue begins to dry but is still a
little pliable. The outlines add depth and texture to your pictures
for just the right finishing touch and can also be used to cover
imperfections.

Nightmare

Materials:
Sturdy cardboard box, natural items for decoration, white glue, med-
size paint brush.
This little box is for the youngster to collect "treasured" memories
from summer. Start with a large shoe box and lid. Let the child
collect some items from the yard, the park, and/or the beach. Glue
flat items to the box, and place the non-flat items inside. To give
the box a more durable finish, brush on a coat of white glue diluted
with water. Encourage the child to tell stories of where the
different items came from, or make up stories about the contents.

Nightmare

Materials:
1 plastic detergent scoop, 2 large brightly colored buttons, white
glue, 1 cup potting soil, seeds.
Take the plastic detergent scoop and poke a couple of small holes in
the bottom (adults only!) with a nail or a needle. Let each child
pick out two brightly colored buttons for the wheels. Glue wheels
onto the sides of the scoop so that it sits at an angle. Once the
glue has dried, let the child pour 1/2 cup of potting soil in the
scoop, place in a couple of seeds around the sides of the scoop, and
pour in the rest of the soil. Slowly add water to the soil until
soaked through. Place on small dish in sunny spot.

Nightmare

Materials:
Decorating wax strips or preprinted wax logs, plain ball or short
pillar candle(s), craft or butter knife.
Have your child choose a couple of colored wax strip combinations.
Cut each strip into 2 pieces 2 3/4" long and on piece that is 2"
long. Lay a short length of one color over a longer length of
another color and roll them into a tight spiral log, 1/2" in
diameter by 11/2" long. When you've got eight logs use the knife
(adults or older children) to cut each log into as many slices as
you can. Firmly press the wax slices all around the outside of the
candle, starting at the base and working up. Continue placing the
slices as close together as possible until the whole candle is
covered.