Make Gift Tags From Recycling Longlife Milk Cartons & Scrap Paper !

Make these cute gift tags

From recycling your long life milk cartons !
After buying my scallop paper punch last week, I've been thinking of ways I can make things with it.So
the other day when Kev said he would put the rubbish bin out , I thought of all the long life milk cartons we have used. Then I had a brainstorm, I thought I wonder if I could  use the scallop paper punch to cut out shapes.Which you can see that's what I did, I was planing on using the insides then after punching out the shapes I thought why not use both the insides & the outsides, which is what I have done.Then I used double sided tape to stick them together, I think they look great.They look like a little frame, I punched a whole with my paper punch and threaded through pieces of string, but you could use different coloured ribbons to match the paper. Another recycled project !

Making Paper Daisies !

Making paper daisies !
They look like real daisies, don't you think so.
On Saturday I went to spotlight and purchased a scallop paper punch ,more then I expected to pay, never mind. So I'm trying to think of lots of ways I can use it, and came up with making daisies so far.To make them you punch out scallop shape, then fold between the scallops towards the centre then cut between each scallop on the folded line to almost the centre, then cut a circle for the centre. These can be made from using scraps of paper from magazines, brochures etc, then they can be used for card making or decorating stationary, envelopes, bookmarks etc.They can also be made with out a scallop paper punch, you get a piece of paper fold in half then in quarters then in eighths, then cut the end into a scallop shape then spread it out and cut up all the fold lines to nearly the centre.If any one has any other ideas for using the scallop paper punch please post and share your ideas. I've also been experimenting with making little tags by using the scallop shape then gluing a circle in the centre and punching a hole and threading through string they look really cute also, I will probably post them tomorrow...so stay tuned for all the great ways I'm trying to use my new scallop paper punch...

Make Your Own Wholemeal Flat Bread !

Why not make your own flat bread !
Healthier and cheaper then buying it from the shop.
I made a batch up yesterday, Kevan & Jack loved them, so I will be making them again. Especially good if you run out of bread and want to save a trip to the shop. You could use white flour, I always use wholemeal flour for all my muffins, cakes, biscuits, & pancakes. Here is the recipe.
250 grams wholemeal plain flour.(Extra for rolling)
1 teaspoon salt.(I use Himalayan salt crystals)
1 tablespoon of oil (I use extra virgin olive oil)
160 mils warm water. If using plain flour you may need a little less)
Mix well together until you have a nice soft workable dough.break in to 8 portions and roll into balls, then on a floured surface spread some flour and using a rolling pin, roll out thin circles or what ever shape you like, mine look very rustic cross between circles & squares. Using a dry fry pan on medium to high heat and cook either side a minute or two until they have little brown specks like in photo. Mine went crispy, great to use like chips for dips, if you want them soft so they can be rolled up with fillings or just like them softer, as you cook them cover with a tea towel . Jack & Kevan had them warm with butter on them.

Time To Get Out The Hotwater Bottles !

Yes its that time of the year once again !
Hot water bottle time that is ...Actually I have been making my son Jack a hot water bottle for the last few months. The weather has been beautiful here during the day, but as soon as the sun goes down, it becomes quite chilly ...Jack loves his hot water bottle in bed to keep him cosy and warm. I have been using hot water bottles for years not only to keep warm, but years ago I used to get some pains in my back and tummy area at that time of the month(period time that is ) and I found using the hot water bottles very soothing. Also they are great to use for pains like ear aches,tooth aches, back aches. So many uses, you can use them to help rise dough for making bread , I usually wrap Jack's pj's around the hot water bottle so they are warm when he puts them on , its those little things we do for our loved ones that cost nothing and make them feel special. Our hot water bottles all have covers on them that I made from pieces of left over fleecy track suit material makes them more cosy and soft. The red one in the photo was made by my middle son Anthony at school , sewing was compulsory ...Its lasted well as he's nearly 23 in a few months time, that's Jack's favourite one... They are very easy to make cut fabric to size make a bag and hem top and thread through casing a strap so it can be gathered up and tied.  I know a lot of people use wheat packs , but we don't own a microwave to heat them. So quick to just boil the kettle & during winter we have our slow combustion fire going and I have a kettle always on top , so I use that to fill the hot water bottles.I will use a hot water bottle during winter if I'm sewing or on the computer. What else do you use your hot water bottles for, please post and share them with us all.

Cooking With Herbs!

Cooking with herbs and spices makes all the difference to the
taste of your meals. Give them a try ! 
Here are 12 to try if you don't already !
1. Parsley - This herbs goes into just about every thing,savory of course, also makes a great garnish.
2. Bay Leaf - Used in casseroles, soup and great with pot roast. Go
easy. Bay leaves are strong.Try a leaf in your casseroles
3. Basil - Ah, the taste of summer. Who can resist fresh basil
and tomatoes from the garden tossed with olive oil and garlic
Dried, it's wonderful in soups, pasta dishes and chicken.
4. Dill - Try some dill sprinkled on fish, chicken or even in a light cream soup.
5. Garlic has a way of making the most ordinary food gourmet.
Fresh, though, is best. Squeeze it from a garlic press
into almost anything. (Not desserts)
6. Ginger - Sprinkle it in your stir-fry, lovely with apples &pears.
I always freeze it. It will keep almost indefinitely
when frozen. I peel it and slice it and store in a zip lock bag or
a plastic container with lid, grate or finely chop into your recipe.
7. Nutmeg - I love nutmeg. If you can find nutmeg nuts, try it
freshly grated ( I think fresh anything is always best)
it's also good grated on sauteed squash,zucchini, green beans
and carrots.Great in feta and spinach slice
8. Oregano - A staple in Italian cooking, it's also good in
casseroles and salad dressings.
9. Rosemary - This beautiful plant grows like crazy in my garden and
goes great with chicken,lamb and beef, casseroles and root
vegetables especially potatoes  Try some in your cooked carrots
10. Tarragon - An almost licorice flavor, this delicate herb
is great in vinaigrette's and in salad dressings  delicious
sprinkle on the top of baked or poached poultry and fish.
11. Thyme - You can never have enough thyme! It's strong and adds a hint
of character to an otherwise pretty standard dish. Use it with
chicken, soups and beef.
12. Coriander - Its great fresh in salads and seeds dried great in all Thai
and Indian foods.
Happy cooking with herbs!

Sesame Street Birthday Card !

Sesame Street Birthday Card !
When Jack was in year one at school, the local church had a holiday program for primary aged children where they could do lots of different activities. There was a lovely lady that was teaching card making, so Jack and I made 2 cards that day as well as doing a few other activities. This is one of the cards we made that we haven't given away, we feel its too nice. Very easy to make with the right tools, other then the scallop circles & big birds beak, most of the shapes are just different size circles used whole or cut in half.  I'm wanting to purchase one of those scallop paper punches, I'd like to purchase a few different sizes the one that was used to make the card is 1&3/4 inch. If any one knows where I can purchase one, please post and let me know. I'd really appreciate any help in locating one, I've been searching online but haven't had any luck finding one yet. I'm sure there are lots of Scrap Booker's out there that would know. Its amazing what you can make with some coloured paper and glue.

Make Your Own Lovely Gifts !

Make Your Own Lovely Gifts !They Are Made With Love & from The Heart!
This Sunday its Kevan's Mum's & Jack's Grans 81st Birthday ! I have made two lovely lavender balls for one of her gifts. On Monday  I went shopping and I found this cute little box from Red Dot. It is a lavender colour with sprigs of lavender on it , I thought how perfect is that , at only $2 even more perfect. They fit perfectly in the box, I lined the box with some scrap lavender organza that was left over from making lavender balls for the mother's day stall for Jack's school. They are very simple to make and look really special, these ones I cut two circles one from the organza and one from white lace fabric, that I had left over from making curtains. Here is the link to the tutorial I did to make the lavender balls Lavender-ball tutorial

Feta Spinach & Zucchini Slice !

Feta, Spinach & Zucchini Slice !
I love feta & spinach slice made with filo pastry, So I have made another version with out the filo pastry.
Here is my recipe.
1 large finely chopped onion.
2 bunches of English spinach roughly chopped.
1 large zucchini grated.
450 grams feta cheese chopped up small.
12 free range eggs.
1/2 a fresh grated nutmeg.
1 cup of buckwheat flour.
note: Its optional to use the flour it made the slice firmer, without the flour there was a little liquid in the dish after cooking. Add all ingredients pour into oven proof dish, cook for about 50 minutes or until golden brown and firm to touch.I cook it at 160 degrees in a fan forced oven. I have also made it frying the onion first and wilting the spinach and removing excess liquid, both versions tasted about the same. So I will not be bothering to fry the onion first as its takes longer and makes more washing up. Serve with a nice salad or steam vegetables....

Free Haircuts !

Free Haircuts !
Having a hair clipper set has saved us lots of money over the years. This is my second set in about 16 years, having three sons and my darling partner Kev, its been great being able to give them all a hair cut when it suits us, usually on the weekends. Also not using petrol to get to the hair dressers has also saved us money. When we travelled around Australia we took it with us, so no spending money on hair cuts on our travels. So I would recommend buying a set,  a Great money saving appliance.

A Sparkling Clean Toilet ! Using No Toxic Chemicals !

Our Sparkling Clean Toilet !
I should have taken a photo of our toilet before it was cleaned. We usually use fresh water from our rain water tank in our toilets , but since our rain water tank was hit by lightning last winter, we have been using bore water to flush our toilets. The mineral scale in our toilet was so bad, I have tried bleach which I really hate using, didn't clean it at all ,then I tried vinegar and bi-carb still looked just as terrible. It was so bad I even thought we may need to buy a new toilet, but after doing some research I tried citric acid, and we were amazed at the results.(Kev didn't think it would work)  So I say to you all out there DON'T buy toxic chemicals to clean your toilet ever again when citric acid works so great, its also antibacterial & antiseptic made from citrus fruits. If you have a dreadful toilet that has seen better days, try it for yourself, I'm sure you will be amazed.I used 3/4 of a cup of citric acid, which I put it into the toilet left it over night ,in the morning I gave it a brush and a flush and it was beautiful and clean.You can buy citric acid from your local supermarket, 75 grams for $2.15 or if you live in Western Australia or South Australia you can buy it in bulk for $1.99 for 250 grams I will place an order soon and buy 2 kilos which will cost me $15.90. Plus $3.50 postage. Here is the website, I use it regularly and its fabulous cheaper then petrol to get to the supermarket for us. http://www.2brothersfoods.com/  it used to be called the angry almond. I'd love to hear what others use citric acid for, I use it to make my home made lemon cordial, to make my son Jack, sherbet, I have used it for a hair rinse, I'm thinking I may use it as a household cleanser instead of vinegar, I find the vinegar can be a little strong and some times irritates my nose and throat. As a household cleanser use 100grams to a litre of water, or of course you can make a smaller amount 50 grams to 500mils of water. I will make up a spray bottle full and use it and see what I think. I'll let you all know the results. A few other uses for citric acid, removes mineral scale from washing machines,shower heads, also clean coffee makers, that's the best thing as its a food, it can be used to clean items that contain foods eg bottles that need cleaning down the bottom  just swish with a little citric acid and water.

Happy Mother's Day !

Happy Mother's Day !
I just want to wish all the wonderful mothers out there, a very Happy Mother's Day ! May it be filled with lots of love & joy !
This is the gorgeous card I received from my darling son Jack
this morning , that he made at school . It will go into my special keepsake treasure box. I love receiving gifts that my children have made for me, they are just so special.

Making Boxer Shorts & Inserting Elastic The Easy Way !

Making Sons Boxers Shorts !
A few years ago I brought some 100% cotton fabric remnants 2 x1 metre for 50cents each total $1 and made my three sons all a pair of boxers shorts each, there was enough left over to make Jack an extra two pairs. For the pattern I used an old pair of boxers shorts that one of my eldest adult sons had, that had worn out, so I cut & unpicked them to use for a pattern and the same with Jacks pairs, I had an old pair of shorts that were to small and did the same and enlarged them when I cut them out. I brought a roll of elastic for $2 so for $3 I made 2 adult pairs and 3 pairs for my 8 & 1/2 year old, that's good value. Especially when I couldn't even buy one pair for $3. This tutorial is to show an easy way to put the elastic in the tops. Most people sew the casing then thread the elastic through with a safety pin ,then sew elastic together then sew up casing,that's the long way of doing it .

Step 1.
After sewing the boxers together measure around the waist of the person the boxers are for. I measure and cut the elastic the same as waist measurement as they shouldn't be too tight,then I over lap the elastic about an inch and sew as shown in photo.

Step 2.
I over lock the top edge so I don't need to turn it under again, if you don't have an over locker you could zig zag or just turn under again. You will have your elastic in a circle lay it flat, I start at the back seam, I usually put a loop of ribbon or binding so you know the back from the front when putting them on.





Step 3.
Now fold the fabric over the elastic, make sure the material is folded a little more then the width of the elastic, so when you sew you don't sew the elastic as well, you will just feel as you sew.

Step 4.
As you sew around the top to in case the elastic,    you gently pull the elastic towards you as you gather up the back where you have sewn already ...very easy as you do it you will see what I mean.

Step 5.

That's the elastic put into the boxers completed.

Of course you can use this technique for putting elastic into any thing else that needs elastic. You will save so much time from the old way of doing it ,so easy & simple to do ...happy sewing every one ....

Hemming Denim Jeans !

Hemming Denim Jeans !
Today I hemmed two pairs of my dads new denim jeans.To make them look more professional you can buy heavy weight cotton the same colour as the cotton they have used to sew the jeans, or to save money and an extra trip to the shops if you have the same colour cotton, you can wind 2 strands of cotton together on the bobbin and use just the single layer on the top so you get the heavy cotton look on the outside hem. Also to avoid the heavy thickness on the bottom, I cut off the required amount ,then I over lock the edges then fold up one inch and   sew around the hem ,saves breaking sewing needles going through the extra thickness.