Mary's Makings

We've Moved!

2013-02-09T12:02:00.001-06:00

We've Moved!

Not only did we move into a different house this summer...
I moved the blog over to maryrasch.com!

Go ahead. Take a gander.

Ga-Ga for Googly Eyes

2012-05-27T23:31:00.002-05:00

I love googly eyes and have a huge stash of them in my craft supplies. You can glue them on pretty much anything for some quirky fun. Why not try them on your stapler, your co-worker's phone, your child's banana... the possibilities are endless.

Here are some other ideas...

Owls made from toilet paper rolls
natural-kids.blogspot.com

Now this is a true peep-toe!
dopfiles.com

Party favors
hwtm.com

Wouldn't this surprise the family in the morning...
funforepkids.com

Nuts about Nerfs

2012-05-23T14:56:00.001-05:00

I am a fan of Nerf Guns and all...

until I become the target.

I got nailed in the throat shortly after this picture.

I am glad I spared the camera. :)

Feed the Birds

2012-04-27T08:11:00.003-05:00

Okay so I am on a bird feeding kick!

I cleaned out the fridge yesterday and found a few forgotten buns and the last pieces of a loaf near the back. So, we went to a pond nearby to feed the birds.

When we got there, several plump geese came running toward us. Then the mallard ducks came. Sure to never miss a free meal, the seagulls flew in, too.

There is nothing like making memories!

Bird Feeders (Continued)

2012-04-26T12:25:00.001-05:00

How did the bird feeders go?

We cut them out...

We set them on burls...

We hung them from branches...

...and the animals loved them!

These were so fun to make and the kids had a great time. I loved seeing how happy a neighborhood squirrel was this morning. The birds were happy, too! However, I did have a little bit of trouble. It could have been me misreading the recipe or the recipe itself but this batch was not very sticky when we cut them out so they fell apart easily. They dried a little brittle, too. (See the link to the recipe on my previous post.) Does anyone know why that is? Feel free to share your tips!

Bird Feeders

2012-04-22T22:47:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I am at a loss with creating fun new projects for my little ones. I thought this was a great idea seeing that today is Earth Day. Since I found this post tonight from dandee, I guess our family will be continuing to observe Earth Day tomorrow. Stay tuned... I will post pictures!

Fleece Hat Friends

2012-03-05T22:54:00.000-06:00

I am so excited...

Many years ago, I was out on a date with my hubby and I pulled a book off the shelf titled, "Damn! Why Didn't I Write That?" on how to write non-fiction. I didn't have much extra money so I rarely bought a book but something made me buy this one. I read it, was inspired, and sat down to write. My first book proposal was rejected. Yet, it still felt good to hold that rejection letter in my hand. At least I had tried.

Fast forward to a few years later after being blessed with a little boy and then a girl, my mind returned once again to writing. I kept thinking, "Wouldn't it be wild to walk into Barnes and Noble and see my name on a book?"

So, let's fast forward to tonight. This is why I am so excited...

Just for kicks, I typed in my book title (eeek!) into Amazon.com never imagining that they would have it available for pre-order already... but they did! I am thrilled! Fleece Hat Friends will be available on September 4th, 2012. In my search, I see that the book is listed (so far) on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com, too.

I spent most evenings and many weekends last summer in my basement measuring, cutting, sewing, and snipping. It was quite an intense process... a labor of love! It feels oh-so-good to see the final product... and to share it with you!

Suckered...

2012-01-08T00:21:00.003-06:00

Keep this in mind if you are in need of a great idea for your child's Valentines. Family Fun is featuring the idea on their site:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/jolly-lollies-668251/

They won't take long to make - 30 minutes or less - and are made from foam!

Or how about these super hero suckers? Zakkalife explains exactly how to make them if you click on the following link:

http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-bird-its-plane-its-super-valentine.html

Just one more... I thought this was sweet, too! Check out the link below for the instructions at Skip to My Lou.

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/02/08/how-does-your-garden-grow/

Jump and See Where You Land

2011-11-26T22:29:00.000-06:00

A thought for today...

I have always been a planner.
But, as I look back on some of the best decisions of my life,
I see that I jumped... and flew.

I am so thankful for all of the blessings in my life and thank God for making them possible.
He is the one who gives me the courage to jump.

I purchased this printable poster on Etsy.com from:

Bates Mercantile Co.

Here is a link if you want to, too!

Elmo Birthday!

2011-10-22T01:10:00.000-05:00

What to do when they turn two...

We love Sesame Street in our home - always have always will.

Our daughter, like many toddlers, loves Elmo.

So, it was only right to celebrate Elmo-style.

If you are in the same boat, but searching for ideas, look no more!

The invitations read as follows:

(To the tune of Elmo's World Theme Song)

La la la la

Little Nanny is 2!

La la la la

She wants to celebrate with you.

Please come to her house on October 14th.

The party starts at 12 o'clock noon.

Nanny loves you!

Gotta have Elmo cupcakes...

The cupcakes were made by using red food coloring and shredded coconut as fur, halved mini-marshmallows as eyes with chocolate fudge for the dot in the middle, and orange spiced gumdrops as noses.

For decorations, we used red balloons to scatter on the floor, helium Elmo balloons for a centerpiece, plush Elmos that we already own, and red and orange plates and napkins.

Simple, easy and fun!

Sweater Mitten Class

2011-10-08T00:14:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends! ... and Special Greetings to My Sweater Mitten Class!

I spent 3 nights of the last two weeks with some warm and wonderful ladies that attended the sweater mitten classes I taught through Community Education. We had a great time despite the draw to be outdoors soaking up the last bit of warmth we are being gifted. It is 75 degrees as I type at 11:35 p.m. That is unheard of. Needless to say, it felt a little wrong pulling out the wool sweaters to make these cozy creations. But, we were like mice, scurrying to get our mittens done; preparing for the cold days ahead.

Credit needs to be given to the maker of these mittens, a dear friend, Nicole.

So, ladies... show us your final products! Send me a picture of your mittens and I will post them to the blog so we all can compare notes and see the beautiful possibilities.

Answering your question, "what are we going to do with all of our felted wool scraps?" Dig back on this blog's posts or visit Mossy as they have some great tutorials. Learn how to make owls, mice, finger puppets, super-hero accessories, and even balls out of roving. Check it out!

Mossy

The Winner Is....

2011-09-15T22:04:00.001-05:00

Congratulations Laura!

You are the winner of the drawing and therefore receiving the book Stash Happy Felt.

Send us a picture of each project as you complete it.

Deadline: Two Weeks.

Thank you to all of you who entered the drawing! The book will be available online or at your favorite bookstore starting October 4th. There are some adorable ideas and creative contributors inside!

The prize will be delivered on foot within 24 hours as the health, weather, or the sensitivity of the delivery man permits. No prize transfer, assignment or substitution by winner permitted. All federal, state and local taxes, fees and surcharges on prizes are the sole responsibility of the winner. If the winner declines the prize, fails to claim the prize, is unavailable for prize fulfillment, fails to abide by the Official Rules, or is ineligible, Mary's Makings may select an alternate winner from all remaining eligible entries. If the winner is not at her desk tomorrow, Mary's Makings is not responsible for the mental anxiety she may endure as she patiently waits for Monday to come. Congratulations Laura!

Glitter Pumpkins

2011-09-01T20:38:00.001-05:00

Can you feel the cool fall air lingering in the shadows when you step out of the sun? There is no doubt... fall is just around the corner. I love this season because of the colors, the smells, the baking, the snuggling with those we love... and the decorations! Enjoy these directions for making beautiful glitter pumpkins.

Materials:

Ceramic Pumpkins (Found at the Dollar Store!) or Actual Pumpkins

Mod Podge

Fine Cut Glitter

Paint Brush

Newspaper

2 Paper Plates

Clear Spray Paint or Spray-On Craft Sealant

Instructions:

Paint the areas with Mod Podge that you want glittered (you may want to leave the stems unpainted). Pour your glitter on one of your plates. Next, pour it over your pumpkin making sure the other paper plate catches the excess glitter under the pumpkin. Keep going back and forth with the pouring of the glitter until the whole pumpkin is thoroughly covered. Tap the pumpkin stem to the plate on the table so the excess glitter falls off and set the pumpkin aside on newspaper. Let the pumpkin(s) dry overnight, then spray with clear spray paint or spray-on craft sealant to ensure that the glitter doesn't come off when handled.

I hope your fall season sparkles with blessings!

Book Giveaway!

2011-08-18T19:35:00.000-05:00

The UPS man handed over a very exciting package today! I ran into the house, flopped down on the couch and unwraped two copies of the long awaited Stash Happy Felt! The crisp pages were filled with 30 adorable projects for fellow felt junkies. There is something wonderful about the look of felt - whether it is machine felted wool, needle felted wool or felt sold by the sheet. And isn't there something magical about flipping through the bright beautiful pictures in a brand new book?

Why am I so excited about this book?

1) It isn't available in stores yet. It's release date is on October 4th so mark your calendars to make a trip to the bookstore OR pre-order it online.

2) It has a special place in my heart and you will see why if you check out pages 66 (really raccoon t-shirt) and 88 (beary baby hat). These are my projects that were accepted into this collection. This is the first time my work has been published.

3) YOU CAN WIN A COPY! There were two copies in the package I opened... one for me and one for you! How can you enter the drawing? Make sure you are an official follower of this blog (you should see your name under "Fellow Followers of Mary's Makings".) If you don't see your name select "Follow" at the top of the page in the upper left hand corner. Then leave a comment below so I know you want in on this drawing. Please invite your friends to participate in this book giveaway. The more the merrier! The winner's name will be drawn on September 15th.

Good luck my friends!

New Adventures

2011-08-16T16:58:00.005-05:00

You know the saying, "when God closes a door he opens a window?" I truly feel like that is happening in my life. As you may know, I have had the opportunity to write a book (thank you Lark Crafts!) and the deadline was on Monday, August 15th. My whole world revolved around that date as it crept closer and closer on the calendar. It wasn't just me who took on this challenge... my family and friends got pulled along for the ride. Thanks go out to all of those who helped me with ideas, helped pick up materials that were needed, and took the kids overnight or over to play. Of course, much love goes to a very supportive husband for his willingness to help me achieve this goal. He was behind me guiding me forward in every aspect of this venture. He continued his sweetness by deciding that he wants to wear a critter hat around town in an effort to advertise the book and he is currently selecting which one. What a guy...

Anyway, that door is closing (for a little while at least) and a window has opened. I have always had a passion for photography but due to recent happenings I have been able to act on it. If you have seen me lately, you have seen the camera hanging from my neck. I can't help it. I can't put it down. I do not want to miss capturing the most perfect moment of you. So here goes...

Let me introduce you to Mary Rasch Photography...

I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph your family. My introductory rates are as follows:

$75 for 1 hour of photography and the best 25 moments on a disc

$140 for 2 hours of photography and the best 50 moments on a disc

You have the choice of location, you have the rights to all the photos on the disc and we will have loads of fun! These package prices are good through the end of September. Contact me at mrasch1616@yahoo.com. Can't wait to see you!

Heighten your Ceiling and Lighten Your Space

2011-07-25T15:07:00.001-05:00

Let's create tall ceilings and more light in your spaces but let's do it without all the noise and construction dust...

I moved into this house 10 years ago (I can't even believe it has been that long) and I hung my curtain rods and valences as I believe most people do... I lined them up with the top of the window trim. The windows in our room are low in the first place and I have to bend down a bit to look out because of the curtains. Here is a picture of a window...

I remember hearing this trick on HGTV and I was reminded of it this weekend while talking with my Uncle Jeff. They both suggested moving the curtain rods up so that the bottom of the valance is in line with the bottom of the trim at the top of the window. It makes you think your windows are much taller and it allows more light in the room, which makes it feel less claustrophobic and therefore your ceilings are taller. Here is the after picture...

The one thing this picture is missing is the amount of light that is bouncing around in our room. Now, on each window there is an extra 10 inches of glass showing. Try it at your house... I guarantee you will notice the difference!

Backyard Bowling

2011-07-22T12:24:00.000-05:00

With the hot weather, our family has been guzzling down lots of bottled water. I ran across this idea and thought it was a great way to reuse some of the bottles that have collected in our recycling. We made bowling pins!

Collect 10 water bottles and take off their labels. If there is some stickiness left from the label, Disolve-It works wonders when removing goo (someday I will have to do even more of a plug for that product and list some of the ways it has saved us.)

Fill the bottles with water and add 5-10 drops of food coloring to each bottle. If you plan on keeping this game around for a while, or would like to use it indoors, spread glue on the mouth of the bottle before putting the cap on.

Line up the pins and use any type of heavier ball such as a soccer ball. Let the good times roll!

A Tribute to the Master of Crafting...

2011-07-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

I know how proud I feel when I place the final stitches on my projects.

Imagine how you would feel if you created these...

God, thanks for surrounding us with such beautiful things...

they are fun to photograph!

Mail Bag! (a.k.a. The Comment Box)

2011-06-30T23:57:00.003-05:00

Greetings!

Earlier this month, Blythe asked,

"Can you do something on cute, classy, and inexpensive ideas

for decorating rather boring walls?

I've got that dilemma and I think you could help!"

This idea is fairly inexpensive - and it is useful, too!

You can purchase any type of vinyl saying or greeting from sellers online or even at a local store. Follow the directions that accompany your purchase which explain the application process.

Usually, you can find buckets at craft stores and they are often painted in fun colors, too. You can personalize each bucket with vinyl cut by a Cricut, but stickers or paint pens would work great, too.

Purchase your oak board along with the hooks and their hardware at your hardware store. These hooks were actually found in the shelving area and were meant to be decorative shelf holders.

Not only is this a fun decoration for your house but it is useful too. The buckets keep each member of your family organized by making a home for wallets, keys, cell phones and other small items.

Here is another idea...

We have started to frame photo booth picture strips. Every time we see a booth we stop in, act goofy and carefully pack away our freshly printed treasure until we get home. Although they do a beautiful job, to save money in the framing process we only get our mats cut at the frame shop and purchase our frames from a discount store.

The framing shop I went to was kind enough to cut only the mat and we mounted the pictures inside. So far, our collection consists of three strips since our kids were born. However, we plan on having a wall filled with these collages of memories as the years roll along.

Dinosaurs!

2011-06-17T16:02:00.000-05:00

In honor of Brian, who won last Friday's giveaway, today's theme is "dinosaurs."

Here are a few cute ideas...

Dino Box Stomp

Save your Kleenex boxes, paint them green and attach toenails made from construction paper, felt, or other such material. You will have one stompin' good time! This idea is from Rockabye Butterfly at:

http://rockabyebutterfly.blogspot.com/2010/12/letter-d-and-number-4-week.html

Dinosaur Tails

Ever feel like roaring at the world? Just imagine if you had a dinosaur tail to aid in your wild act.

I guess kids might like these, too.

Jessica from Running with Scissors was featured on

craftzine with this fun idea. Check it out:

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/03/how-to_dinosaur_tails.html

Dinosaur Sweatshirt

I love this idea from Ginger and George.

It is sure to be your little one's favorite, too.

They can wear it for dress-up and

it is cute enough to wear out and about.

http://kirstyneale.typepad.com/gingerandgeorge/2011/03/dino-boys.html

Creating Play Dough

2011-06-13T13:02:00.000-05:00

We went to our play dough stash this morning to discover that it was pretty crusty. It was time for a refresh. My mom had found this recipe and made it for me and my sister when we were little. It makes great dough, only takes a moment to mix up and it lasts for years. Yes... years. The last time I made my son a batch was three years ago.

It is squishy, colorful, and the perfect way to keep the kids occupied.

Here is what you need:

1 c. flour

1 c. water

1/2 c. salt

1 T. cream of tartar

1 T. cooking oil

food coloring

Here is what the recipe says:

Mix together in a pan and cook on high, stirring constantly. Remove from heat when play dough reaches correct consistency. Cool. Add food coloring and kneed it in until you reach the desired shade. Keep stored in airtight container.

This recipe does not work well if doubled.

This is the best recipe for homemade play dough we've tried.

It's also fun to add extract for scent.

This is the consistency when it is first on the stove.

It will quickly firm up.

Remove it from the stove when you like the consistency.

Divide the play dough and add your food coloring

That is some intense rolling...and a morning of fun!

And the winner is...

Brian! Congratulations Johns you will receive a $10 Amazon gift card to spend on dinosaurs! In honor of your big win, I will try to make a dinosaur themed post soon. In fact, there will be a post dedicated to each response given. Thanks everyone for commenting! I love hearing from you.

Blog Giveaway!

2011-06-05T23:04:00.005-05:00

So, let's here from you!

Fill in the blank:

In my life, I love creating ______________ .

Tell us your answer below in the "Post a Comment" area.

AND make sure you have signed up to follow Mary's Makings
which is on the left side of the toolbar at the top of the page.
(You do not have to be a NEW follower to comment.)

Don't worry... nothing different will happen when you sign up to

follow other than you will be notified when there is a new post.

If you complete these tasks,

your name will be entered in a drawing on Friday for...

(are you hearing a drum-roll in your mind?)

A $10 gift card to Amazon!

Good luck my friends.

Creating a Container Garden with Sydney's Green Garden

2011-06-01T13:54:00.002-05:00

There is a new kit in town... Sydney's Green Garden

Here is why I love it:

* It takes all of the work out of selecting the seeds that will work well in our area

* It is on our porch and therefore out of the reach of our neighborhood deer herd

* The containers are sturdy and won't crack or fade

* The kit is the product of a local family who has a daughter,
Sydney, who now loves gardening and eating her vegetables
because of her involvement with her dad's container garden

* The instructions told me exactly what to plant, where, and when to plant them

*I love traditional gardening but I have such limited space in our backyard

I planted the cold weather crop seeds on May 15th
and the plants are coming up like crazy on May 31st

I woke up surprised to see we had received an inch of rain.
Now I don't have to water this morning.

I love spinach!
This crop will grow so fast the kit says to harvest it
and plant a new vegetable halfway through the summer.

At a local gardening class, I learned to plant anywhere.
I planted the extra pea seeds in planters below the porch.
Pea plants love to climb so the lattice works well.

And they are on their way!

Although not included in the kit,
here is a bloom that opened this morning.

Thanks Sharon and Jay for the great birthday gift!

For more information about Sydney's Green Garden visit:

http://www.sydneysgreengarden.com/

The Fridge Museum

2011-05-30T22:38:00.001-05:00

The fridge is our family's museum. It houses artwork that is far more special to me than any famous work could be. Here is a way for your aspiring artists to hang their works of art.

Materials:
Magnet
Computer/Printer
PowerPoint
Paper
Scissor or Paper Cutter
Miniature Clothespin
Super Glue

Instructions:
Grab an old magnet and measure what size it is. Use PowerPoint to make a text box that is of the same dimensions.

Find a background that you like on a free site or take pictures of your favorite fabric or paper. Insert the picture and crop it to the size of the text box. The background I used is actually a picture of two bolts of complimentary fabric stacked on top of each other.

Next, write what you would like the message to be. Highlight the text box, right click and choose to send the text to the front so that it shows up in front of your picture. Make sure your text color will stand out from the design of the picture.

Print this and cut it out using a scissor or paper cutter.

If you have a laminating machine, laminate your design. Fridges can often be in the line of fire when juice and other sloppy items go falling to the floor. Trim the excess laminating plastic away.

Super glue your design to the magnet and as a final step, glue your clothespin on top. Let your project dry and you have a great gift or display for your own future Van Gogh.

Organza Flowers

2011-05-24T22:07:00.002-05:00

I stumbled upon this quick yet quality video posted by JynDesign on how to make organza flowers. I thought I would share it with you. (Click on "Organza Flowers" link below.)

Organza Flowers

Happy Crafting!

P.S. If you are anything like me, you may want to keep a fire extinguisher on hand...